Plain general principles are obvious to every one who stops to reflect. . . . I should shrink from the idea of a revolution . . . and I again earnestly repeat the wish, that the wisdom of the legislature may keep pace with the national light. . . . It appears to me that all monarchical, and aristocratical governments, carry within themselves the seeds of their dissolution; for when they become corrupt, and oppressive to a certain degree, the effects must necessarily be . . . revolt. —Mary Hays, Letters and Essays, Moral and Miscellaneous (1793)

What did Hays believe might happen when a government becomes corrupt?
a.
The legislature is overthrown.
b.
The ruler is tried in court.
c.
The people revolt.
d.
The people execute the ruler.