Question

The Declaration of Independence states that ""governments…deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…"" What does ""consent of the governed"" mean?

Answer 1

Social contract theory

Step-by-step explanation:

This relates to Locke's social contract theory, in which the governed give up some of the rights that they would have had in the state of nature (anarchy) for the protection provided by the government. The people agree to give up their power to the government, and the government agrees to not misuse that power and to rule fairly. If the government becomes corrupt, the people, under the social contract theory, can overthrow the current government and establish a new one.