What did the Virginia Declaration of Rights proclaim?

• A. Inherent rights of men, including the right to reform or abolish inadequate government.
• B. Property rights for the aristocracy.
• C. Only the right to bear arms for defense.
• D. That government should be elected by a small elite.

Answer: (A)

This question centers on the idea that people possess inherent rights and that government exists to protect those rights. The Virginia Declaration of Rights declares that all men are naturally free and possess certain inalienable rights, and that government derives its authority from the people to safeguard those rights. Importantly, it states that if a government becomes inadequate or fails to defend these rights, the people have the right to reform or abolish it and establish a government that will. This broad, foundational view—rights are universal and government is accountable to the people—explains why this choice is the best fit. It reflects popular sovereignty, not privilege for a specific class, not a single right like bearing arms, and not rule by a tiny elite.