Question

question 13 of 20
read the excerpt below from the declaration of the rights of man and of the citizen, a document that expressed many of the most important ideas that motivated the french revolution. which of the generalizations that follow the excerpt accurately describes this excerpts key ideas?

1. men are born and remain free and equal in rights.

social distinctions may be founded only upon the
general good.

1. the aim of all political association is the preservation

of the natural and imprescriptible rights of man.
these rights are liberty, property, security, and
resistance to oppression.

1. the principle of all sovereignty resides essentially in

the nation. no body nor individual may exercise any
authority which does not proceed directly from the
nation.

1. liberty consists in the freedom to do everything

which injures no one else; hence the exercise of the
natural rights of each man has no limits except those
which assure to the other members of the society the
enjoyment of the same rights. these limits can only
be determined by law.

1. law can only prohibit such actions as are hurtful to

society. nothing may be prevented which is not
forbidden by law, and no one may be forced to do
anything not provided for by law

options (partially visible):
○ a. governments should never be given the power to strip citizens of their natural liberty and equality
○ b. ... (cut off)
○ c. ... (cut off)
○ d. ... (cut off)

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the excerpt and options:

Step 1: Analyze the Excerpt

The Declaration of the Rights of Man emphasizes:

• Natural rights (liberty, property, security, resistance to oppression) are preserved by political associations.
• Sovereignty lies with the nation.
• Liberty is limited by law to protect others’ rights.
• Law only prohibits harmful actions; nothing is forbidden unless by law.

Step 2: Evaluate Each Option

• Option A: The excerpt does not discuss governments “never” stripping rights (it focuses on law - defined limits, not absolute prohibition). Eliminate A.
• Option B: The excerpt states “the aim of all political association is the preservation of the natural and imprescriptible rights of man” and that rights are “natural” (implying they exist independently of government). This matches “Governments don’t give subjects certain rights and cannot take them away.”
• Option C: The excerpt focuses on law limiting liberty to protect others’ rights, not on laws affecting “every citizen” broadly. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The excerpt emphasizes sovereignty in the nation, not “a ruler’s authority” or “divine right.” Eliminate D.

The excerpt stresses natural rights (liberty, property, etc.) are inherent (not granted by government) and political associations exist to preserve them. This aligns with Option B’s claim that governments neither bestow nor can revoke these rights. Other options misinterpret the excerpt’s focus (e.g., A: no “never” claim; C: not about laws affecting all citizens; D: no divine right/ruler authority focus).

Answer:

B. Governments don’t give subjects certain rights and cannot take them away.