In the early Declaration of Independence context, which description best explains the purpose of appealing to the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?

• A. To claim moral high ground in religious terms
• B. To present a religious justification for rebellion
• C. To outline a non-empirical argument for government
• D. To articulate a rational, universal set of rights and justify government creation

Answer: (D)

The key idea being tested is the Enlightenment view that certain rights are natural and universal, and governments exist to protect those rights. The Declaration grounds political legitimacy in rational, universal principles rather than religious authority, specifically listing life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as rights that deserve protection. This sets up government as a contract to safeguard these rights, and it allows the people to alter or dissolve the government if it fails to do so.

That’s why choosing the option that describes appealing to a rational, universal set of rights and justifying the creation of government fits best. It distinguishes the argument from religious justification or a purely non-empirical claim, emphasizing reasoned, universal rights as the basis for political legitimacy.