Which fundamental concept is articulated in the Declaration of Independence?

Study for the GACE Middle Grades Social Science Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The fundamental concept articulated in the Declaration of Independence focuses on the assertion that people have the right to change their government when it becomes destructive or fails to protect their unalienable rights. The Declaration emphasizes the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, and when a government acts in a way that violates individual rights or does not serve the interests of its citizens, those citizens have the authority to alter or abolish that government. This principle underpins the justification for the American colonies' decision to separate from British rule and asserts a core belief in the power and agency of the people in creating and shaping their governance.

While the Declaration also touches on the concept of equality, the specific emphasis on the right to change government is a pivotal aspect of the document, reflecting Enlightenment ideas about democracy and governance. The other options relate to important themes but do not capture the central idea expressed in the Declaration as directly.

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