Document 2: The Dutch Declaration of Independence (1581) A prince is put in power by God to be ruler of a people, to defend them from violence.
God did not create the people to be slaves to their prince, but instead He created the
prince to benefit his subjects. He created the prince to govern the people according to
faimess, to love and support them as a father supports his children. When he does not
behave like this, but instead puts them down with violence, and looks for chances to
take away their ancient customs and rights ... then he is no longer a prince, but a tyrant.
And when he does this on purpose ... the states may not only stop following his
authority, but they can legally choose another prince.
According to the Dutch authors, why are kings given power by God?
When does a king become a tyrant?