Read this excerpt from the declaration of independence: but when a long train of abuses and usurpation, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce [the people] under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such a government, and to provide new guards for their future security. the excerpt most reflects which enlightenment idea? a. direct democracy b. republicanism c. social contract d. separation of powers