Question

primary source analysis
question # 12
read the excerpt from the declaration of independence. then,
answer each question to interpret the meaning of the
preamble.
what right do people have if the government does not secure
their natural rights?
to “alter or abolish” the
government
to “become destructive” towards
the government
“that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among
men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, -
-that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of
these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it... ”

Explanation:

The text from the Declaration of Independence clearly states that when a government fails to secure people's rights (becomes destructive of those ends), the people have the right to "alter or abolish" it. Option B is incorrect as it misrepresents the right (it's the government that becomes destructive, not the people towards the government in the sense of the described right).

Answer:

A. To “alter or abolish” the government