Which concept asserts that rulers derive authority from the governed and can be overthrown if they fail to protect rights?

Which concept asserts that rulers derive authority from the governed and can be overthrown if they fail to protect rights?

• A. Divine right
• B. The social contract
• C. Theocracy
• D. Monarchy

Answer: (B)

The idea that political authority comes from the consent of the governed and that people can overthrow rulers who fail to protect their rights. This is the social contract view, which holds that governments exist to secure natural rights, and when those rights aren’t protected, the governed have a legitimate right to dissolve or change the government. That focus on consent and the right of rebellion distinguishes it from other forms. Divine right says rulers derive authority from God and is not grounded in the people’s consent; a theocracy is rule by religious authorities; a monarchy centers on rule by a single sovereign, which may or may not involve consent or protection of rights but does not inherently emphasize the governed’s rights and the right to overthrow.

The idea that political authority comes from the consent of the governed and that people can overthrow rulers who fail to protect their rights. This is the social contract view, which holds that governments exist to secure natural rights, and when those rights aren’t protected, the governed have a legitimate right to dissolve or change the government. That focus on consent and the right of rebellion distinguishes it from other forms. Divine right says rulers derive authority from God and is not grounded in the people’s consent; a theocracy is rule by religious authorities; a monarchy centers on rule by a single sovereign, which may or may not involve consent or protection of rights but does not inherently emphasize the governed’s rights and the right to overthrow.