Question

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.” The theme of this passage from the Declaration of Independence is best described as: experience shows suffering new governments provide security long-term governments should not be changed lightly discomfort can be endured, but abuse will not tolerated Points earned on this question: 0

Answer 1

Discomfort can be endured, but abuse will not be tolerated. Jefferson, in writing this passage of the Declaration, is directly pointing fingers at the British crown for abusing its absolute power over its American colonies. It is from this paragraph that we get the well-known principle in America that if the government were not to serve its people as they ought to be served, the people have the full right to rebel and replace that unfair government with a more just one.