Question

\the sovereign, having no force other than the legislative power, acts only by means of the laws; and the laws being solely the authentic acts of the general will, the sovereign cannot act save when the people are assembled.\ --jean - jacques rousseau, of the social contract, or principles of political right, 1762. which concept is central both to the declaration of independence and to social contract theory? a the authority of the government to create a militia to defend its citizens b the authority of the government should be based on the \divine right of kings\ c the authority of the government should be derived from the consent of the governed d the right of the government to trade freely and enter into alliances with other nations

Explanation:

The Declaration of Independence emphasizes that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. Social Contract Theory, as presented by Rousseau, also centers around the idea that the authority of the government is based on the will (consent) of the people. Option A is about defense mechanisms, not the core authority - derivation concept. Option B is contrary to both the Declaration (which opposes monarchy - like divine - right - based rule) and Social Contract Theory (which is about popular sovereignty). Option D is about external - relations rights of government, not the basis of government authority.

Answer:

C. the authority of the government should be derived from the consent of the governed