Which American said this in 1848: “Any people whatsoever have the right to abolish the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable, a most sacred right.”

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This question asks which American said this in 1848: “Any people whatsoever have the right to abolish the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable, a most sacred right.”
Since the provided data lists only one answer option, Abraham Lincoln, we will evaluate why this attribution aligns with Lincoln's known rhetoric and the historical context. 
First, consider the core idea: the claim that people have a sacred right to alter or abolish government when it no longer serves them. This concept resonates with republican and constitutional principles that government authority derives from the governed, and that lying behind that authority is the legitimacy to replace it if it fails to protect rights. Lincoln frequently spoke about government deriving its power from the consent of the governed and about the people’s prerogative to change or resist government that does not uphold justice. 
Second, how does this attribution fit Lincoln’s era and style? In 1848, Lincoln was articulating principles about popular sovereignty, the legitimacy of government, and the moral duty of citizens in a republic to oppose tyranny. The phrasing mirrors the spirit of the Declaration of Independence and the broader revolutionary tradition, which Lincoln repeatedly invoked when arguing for civil rights and federal authority; attributing such a quote to Lincoln would be consistent with his public addresses that emphasized the ultimate authority of the people. 
Third, what about alternative attributions? Without other options to compare, we cannot dissect specific misattributions here. However, this quotation is often associated with debates over rebellion, revolution, and the rights of citizens to rethink governance—topics Lincoln engaged with in his writings and speeches, particularly around abolition and government legitimacy. 
Fourth, consider possible skepticism: some historians might question exact wording or attribution since quotes from historical figures can be misattributed or paraphrased over time. Yet the sentiment itself aligns closely with Lincoln’s political philosophy and public rhetoric, making Abraham Lincoln a plausible, if not definitive, attribution for this 1848 statement. 
Fifth, in sum, the claim attributed to Abraham Lincoln reflects the enduring republican notion that the people possess a sacred right to alter or replace their government when it fails to protect rights, a theme central to Lincoln’s public discourse and the broader 19th‑century American political philosophy.

HIST1062W14 Final Exam New

Which American said this in 1848: “Any people whatsoever have the right to abolish the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable, a most sacred right.”

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