Read the following excerpt from the Declaration of Independence. 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, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form . . .

Which Enlightenment idea is reflected in the excerpt?

A.

the theory of the divine right of kings

B.

the theory of hierarchical organization

C.

the theory of social contract of government

D.

the theory of natural rights of humans