Select the correct text in the passage.
Which statement from the passage best supports the claim that citizens have a right to rebel against the government if it does not serve their needs?
from The Virginia Declaration of Rights
June 12, 1776
That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they
cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing
property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.
That all power is vested in, and consequently derived from, the people; that magistrates are their trustees and servants, and at all times amenable
to them.
That government is, or ought to be, instituted for the common benefit, protection, and security of the people, nation or community; of all the
various modes and forms of government that is best, which is capable of producing the greatest degree of happiness and safety and is most
effectually secured against the danger of maladministration; and that, whenever any government shall be found inadequate or contrary to these
purposes, a majority of the community hath an indubitable, unalienable, and indefeasible right to reform, alter or abolish it, in such manner as shall be
judged most conducive to the public weal.
That no man, or set of men, are entitled to exclusive or separate emoluments or privileges from the community, but in consideration of public
services; which, not being descendible, neither ought the offices of magistrate, legislator, or judge be hereditary.
That the legislative and executive powers of the state should be separate and distinct from the judicative; and, that the members of the two first
may be restrained from oppression by feeling and participating the burthens² of the people, they should, at fixed periods, be reduced to a private
station, return into that body from which they were originally taken, and the vacancies be supplied by frequent, certain, and regular elections in which
all, or any part of the former members, to be again eligible, or ineligible, as the laws shall direct.
That elections of members to serve as representatives of the people in assembly ought to be free; and that all men, having sufficient evidence of
permanent common interest with, and attachment to, the community have the right of suffrage and cannot be taxed or deprived of their property for
public uses without their own consent or that of their representatives so elected, nor bound by any law to which they have not, in like manner,
assented, for the public good.
That all power of suspending laws, or the execution of laws, by any authority without consent of the representatives of the people is injurious to
their rights and ought not to be exercised.
That in all capital or criminal prosecutions a man hath a right to demand the cause and nature of his accusation to be confronted with the accusers
and witnesses, to call for evidence in his favor, and to a speedy trial by an impartial jury of his vicinage, without whose unanimous consent he cannot
be found guilty, nor can he be compelled to give evidence against himself; that no man be deprived of his liberty except by the law of the land or the
judgement of his peers.
That excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed; nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
emoluments - advantage
2burthens-burdens
3vicinage - vicinity