Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government . . . Which statement best describes the relationship between Jefferson’s diction and his purpose?
Answer
A
Jefferson uses words with positive connotations to praise his listeners for their political activism.
B
Jefferson uses words with neutral connotations to suggest that there is no urgency to his message.
C
Jefferson uses words with neutral connotations to present a claim based on reason and precedent.
D
Jefferson uses words with positive connotations to encourage peaceful relations with Britain.
Explanation
Jefferson uses formal, measured terms such as “self-evident,” “unalienable Rights,” and “consent of the governed” to frame his argument as a reasoned claim about political principles. He explains that governments exist to secure people’s rights and that people may change a government that violates that purpose. This diction supports a logical justification rather than praising the audience or urging peaceful relations with Britain.
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