Social Studies

Christian Rich

16 November, 06:23

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

The theme of this passage from the Declaration of Independence is best described as:

experience shows suffering

new governments provide security

long-term governments should not be changed lightly

discomfort can be endured, but abuse will not tolerated