The Declaration of Independence argues that government derives its power from whom?

• A. The king
• B. Wealth and military strength
• C. The consent of the governed
• D. Foreign powers

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is popular sovereignty—the belief that legitimate government comes from the people themselves. The Declaration argues that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed, meaning that a ruler or government gets authority only because the people allow it. When a government fails to protect people’s rights or acts against their interests, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government that will better secure their safety and happiness. This is why choosing consent of the governed is the best answer: it captures the idea that political authority rests on the people’s approval, not on monarchy, wealth, military strength, or foreign powers. The other options miss the point because they point to sources of force or external power rather than the legitimate basis of authority acknowledged by the Declaration.