Why was the concept of inalienable rights so critical in the Declaration of Independence?
A)These rights could not be protected unless the government was local.
B)These rights had to be earned by citizens in order to receive them.
C)These rights had to be protected in order for any government to be legitimate.
D)These rights reflected what the colonists deserved as subjects of the king.
E)These rights could not be violated except in a time of conflict.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The concept of inalienable rights was critical in the Declaration of Independence because it established the principle that a government's legitimacy comes from its ability to protect these fundamental rights. If a government fails to do so, it loses its legitimacy, which justified the colonies' decision to declare independence from Britain.

Why Was the Concept of Inalienable Rights So Critical in the Declaration