Refresher For All US Citizens

The founding documents of the United States, particularly the Declaration of Independence, address the right of the people to remove or alter a corrupt government. Here’s what they say:

Declaration of Independence (1776):

• Preamble: The Declaration begins by asserting the philosophical foundations of government, stating that all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights, including “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

• Right to Alter or Abolish Government: The Declaration explicitly states:

“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, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

This passage reflects the belief that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed and that when a government becomes tyrannical or corrupt, the people have the right to change or overthrow it.

Constitution of the United States (1787):

• The U.S. Constitution does not explicitly address the right of the people to overthrow a corrupt government. However, it establishes a system of checks and balances designed to prevent corruption and tyranny. The Constitution provides mechanisms like impeachment, elections, and amendments to address issues within the government.

Federalist Papers:

• Although not a founding document, the Federalist Papers, particularly those written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, discuss the importance of preventing tyranny and corruption in government. They argue for a strong but balanced federal system where power is divided among different branches and levels of government to protect the rights of the people.

Summary:

The Declaration of Independence is the primary document that explicitly states the right of the people to remove a corrupt government. It asserts that when a government becomes oppressive, it is not only the right but also the duty of the people to overthrow it and establish a government that better secures their rights and well-being. The U.S. Constitution then provides the structure and processes to govern effectively, with the implication that power remains with the people through the electoral process and other checks on government power.