Omar Bennett
The Declaration of Independence asserts the right of revolution, stating that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute a new government. This idea, known as the right to resist tyranny, is considered by some to be a founding principle of constitutional government. The interpretation of this clause has been debated, with some arguing that it indicates a right to revolution, while others claim it refers to the right to resist tyranny and alter the government without necessarily overthrowing it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Right to revolution | The right of the people to alter or abolish any form of government |
| Right to resist tyranny | The founding principle of the US constitutional government |
| Consent of the governed | Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed |
| Securing rights | Governments are instituted to secure the rights of the people |
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What You'll Learn
The right to resist tyranny
When a government becomes destructive of these ends, the Declaration of Independence asserts the right of the people to "alter or abolish it and to institute new government." This right to resist tyranny is further supported by the biblical principle summarised by the Apostle Peter: "We ought to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). The Christian theory of resistance, dating back to the medieval period, suggests that lower-ranking civil government officials or "lesser civil magistrates" should lead the people in resisting tyranny.
In the context of gun control debates in the United States, some have argued that the Second Amendment ensures the right to resist tyranny by force. They believe that widespread gun ownership serves as a deterrent to potential tyrants and provides citizens with the means to defend their liberties if necessary. However, critics argue that gun ownership would not have prevented historical instances of tyranny, such as the Holocaust, given the overwhelming power of the tyrannical regime.
In conclusion, the right to resist tyranny is a fundamental principle of constitutional government. It recognises that citizens have the right, and sometimes the duty, to defend their inherent rights and liberties when they are threatened or violated by a tyrannical government. While the means of resistance may vary, the underlying belief in the preservation of freedom remains a cornerstone of democratic societies.
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The right of the people to alter or abolish government
The right of the people to alter or abolish the government is a fundamental principle of constitutional governance. This right, often referred to as the "right of revolution," is based on the belief that governments are instituted to secure the rights and freedoms of the people they govern. The Declaration of Independence asserts that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
To protect these rights, the people have the authority to make changes to their form of government or even replace it entirely if it becomes destructive or fails to fulfil its purpose. As Thomas Jefferson stated, when a government becomes detrimental to the people's interests, it is their right and duty to "throw off such government" and establish a new one that better safeguards their rights and freedoms. This right is not solely about overthrowing a government but also about the ongoing role of citizens in holding their government accountable and ensuring it serves its intended purpose.
The understanding of "the right of the people to alter or abolish" is distinct from the right of revolution. While revolution may be necessary at times, this right is about the continuous vigilance of citizens in defending their rights. It recognises that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. When a government abuses its power or acts against the interests of its people, it is the right and responsibility of the citizens to take action, whether through peaceful means or, as a last resort, more radical measures.
This principle has been a guiding force in American democracy, emphasising the active role of citizens in maintaining a government that upholds their rights. It highlights the importance of citizen vigilance and engagement in political matters, ensuring that governments remain accountable to those they represent. By understanding and exercising this right, citizens can challenge tyranny and promote a government that serves its people.
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The founding principle of constitutional government
The US Constitution establishes a federal system of government, with power divided between the national and state governments. This is to ensure that no person or group can abuse their powers. The Constitution grants power to each branch of government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and outlines their respective responsibilities. The legislative branch makes the laws, the executive enforces them, and the judicial branch interprets them.
The Constitution also includes the principle of checks and balances, which allows one branch of government to block actions by another branch. This is to ensure that the government can only exercise the powers granted to it by the Constitution and cannot take actions that are not permitted by it. The people's representatives in Congress, the President, Vice President, and some judges, are responsible to the citizens and must govern according to the law.
The US Constitution also guarantees citizens' basic rights, freedoms, and liberties, as outlined in the Bill of Rights. These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. The Constitution provides that no laws can be passed to take away these rights.
The founding principles of the Indian Constitution, the world's lengthiest written national constitution, are also based on constitutional supremacy and popular sovereignty. The Constitution establishes a parliamentary system, with a Prime Minister who exercises most executive power with the support of a majority in the Lok Sabha, or lower house of Parliament. The Constitution provides a long list of powers exclusive to the states' jurisdiction and outlines the process for amending the Constitution.
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The right of revolution
> "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. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, 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, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness."
The key phrase here is "it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it," which indicates that the people have the right to revolution when their fundamental rights are violated or threatened. This idea is further emphasized in the Declaration of Independence:
> "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shown that mankind is 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."
This passage acknowledges that revolution is not to be undertaken lightly, but when a government consistently abuses its power and infringes on the rights of the people, it becomes the right and duty of the people to overthrow that government and establish a new one that better protects their freedoms.
However, it is important to distinguish between the right of revolution and the right to resist tyranny. The right to resist tyranny is the founding principle of constitutional governments, emphasizing the importance of citizens being vigilant against violations of their rights. On the other hand, the right of revolution refers to the more drastic action of overthrowing a government, which is not as commonly exercised.
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The right to act when rights are violated
The US Constitution is a document that sets out the fundamental rights of all Americans. It is a framework that outlines the basic rights and freedoms that all Americans are entitled to, and it is the responsibility of the government to secure these rights.
The Constitution states that "all men are created equal" and that they have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness". When a government becomes destructive of these ends, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and to institute a new government. This right is not to be taken lightly, and prudence dictates that governments should not be changed for minor reasons. However, when a government consistently violates the rights of its people, it is the right and responsibility of the people to take action.
It is important for individuals to know their rights and understand how to exercise them. This includes knowing your rights when encountering law enforcement, navigating reproductive laws, expressing your religion, and ensuring your digital rights are respected. These rights are guaranteed regardless of immigration status, and it is the responsibility of the government to protect them.
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Frequently asked questions
The US Constitution does not explicitly allow citizens to overthrow the government. However, the Declaration of Independence states that citizens have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" and that they can “alter or abolish” the government if it infringes on these rights.
The Declaration of Independence is a founding document of the United States that outlines the country's core values and principles. It was ratified by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from Great Britain.
The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, establishing the structure and powers of the US government. On the other hand, the Declaration of Independence is a statement of principles justifying the colonies' right to break away from British rule and form a new nation.
Yes, the Declaration of Independence states that governments should not be changed for "light and transient causes." It emphasizes that governments are long-standing institutions and should only be altered or abolished when they consistently fail to protect the rights of the people.
The Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause guarantees "due process of law" before the government deprives someone of "life, liberty, or property." It ensures that the government follows the law but does not prohibit it from taking away these substantive rights. The Due Process Clause has also been used to protect unenumerated rights, which are rights not specifically listed in the Constitution.
