Question

the declaration of independence
section two: declaration of natural rights
in the second - section of the declaration, jefferson talks about the natural rights of man
vocab check
self - evident: obvious
endowed: given
unalienable: cannot be given away
instituted: created
deriving: getting; comes from
consent: agreement
governed: people being ruled
what it means
all men are created equal and have certain natural rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. to protect these rights, governments are created among men. these governments get their power from the \consent of the governed\ - which means the people agreed to be governed. therefore, if a government attacks the peoples natural rights, it is the
ight of the people\ to change or end that government. the people then have the right to create a new government that they feel would protect their rights better than the one that came before.
what is jefferson talking about?
what is the enlightenment theory jefferson is referencing, that government is created by an agreement between the ruler and the people who are being ruled?
when a government fails to protect its citizens natural rights, what is jefferson arguing those citizens have the right to do?

Explanation:

Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence emphasizes natural rights like life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Governments are instituted to secure these rights, deriving power from the consent of the governed. When a government fails in this, people have the right to alter or abolish it and create a new one. The Enlightenment - related theory here is social - contract theory where government is formed by an agreement between rulers and the ruled.

Answer:

1. Jefferson is talking about natural rights of men, the purpose of government (to secure these rights), and the right of the people to change or abolish a government that fails to protect their rights.
2. The Enlightenment theory is social - contract theory.
3. Jefferson argues that citizens have the right to alter or abolish the government and institute a new one when it fails to protect their natural rights.