Which statement from the Declaration of Independence1 best reflects the Enlightenment idea of popular sovereignty?
A.We, therefore . . . solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.

B.That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government.

C. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

D. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Respuesta :

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

The correct answer is D.

The popular sovereignty principle was developed during the Enlightenment era, constituted by philosophers that promoted Reason and the scientific method over medieval superstitions and religious dogmas, and the establishment of democratic societies where the power resided on its people, and not in absolute monarchs or rulers "appointed by God", that prevailed back then.

This is why the Declaration of Independence, based on many Enlightenment principles, included that the power of a goverement has to be derived from the consent of the governed, which usually are entitled to elect political representatives through suffrage.