GED Social Studies TestU.S. HistoryHard
A political commentator argues that the principles embodied in the Declaration of Independence, particularly the concept of 'unalienable rights' and government deriving its power from the 'consent of the governed,' have continuously influenced global movements for democracy and human rights. Which of the following historical scenarios best illustrates this claim?
- AThe French Revolution's Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789).
- BThe rise of mercantilist economic policies in Europe during the 17th century.
- CThe Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, leading to colonial expansion.
- DThe establishment of the United Nations after World War II, emphasizing national sovereignty.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The French Revolution's Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (1789).
The Declaration of Independence, with its emphasis on natural rights and popular sovereignty, articulated revolutionary ideas that resonated with other oppressed peoples. The French Revolution, occurring shortly after the American Revolution, directly adopted and adapted many of these principles in its own Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, demonstrating a clear global influence.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Mercantilism predated the Declaration of Independence and represented an economic system based on state control and accumulation of wealth, not individual rights or popular consent.
- C. The Scramble for Africa was a period of imperialistic expansion, directly contradicting the principles of self-determination and consent of the governed found in the Declaration.
- D. While the UN promotes human rights, its emphasis on national sovereignty doesn't directly connect to the 'consent of the governed' in the same revolutionary way as the French Declaration, nor was it as directly influenced by the Declaration of Independence's immediate impact.
Influence of Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence's principles of natural rights, popular sovereignty, and the right to revolution profoundly influenced subsequent movements for freedom and democracy worldwide.
- Articulated Enlightenment ideals in a political document.
- Inspired declarations of independence and revolutionary movements globally.
- Its ideas of 'all men are created equal' and 'unalienable rights' became foundational.
Memory trick: Declaration's echo, freedom's flow.