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Does Natural Rights Philosophy Justify A Right To Revolution?

666 Words3 Pages

2. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson stated that “governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” From what source do the people derive the right to establish government?
• How “consent of the governed” is related to the concept of popular sovereignty?
• Does natural rights philosophy justify a right to revolution? Why or why not?

When President Barack Obama stands on a stage and yells to roaring crowd, “Don’t boo-vote!” it is a testament to what and where the consent really lies in our country. He reminds the citizens of this nation that their vote is their voice, and that it gives the government its power. In the Declaration of Independence, the people are given the right to run the government, not the other way around. The statement, "Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed" means that if a majority of the …show more content…

John Locke declared that through natural law, all people have the right to life, liberty, and property. In extent, under social contract, the people could instigate a revolution against the government when it acted against the interests of its citizens and that they had the power to replace the government with one that served the interests of its citizens. In opposition to Hobbes, who views government as almighty and immune to revolution, Locke permits revolution in circumstances of long and sustained abuse. The Bill of Rights and The Federalist Papers, too, can be seen as fortifying the right of revolution. In Federalist 28, Hamilton expresses this thought by saying, “if the persons entrusted with supreme power became usurpers…The citizens must rush tumultuously to arms...” Furthermore, these documents seek to ensure that the people do not suffer the abuses of a tyrannical sovereign ever again. Long live the American

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