"prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. but when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security." the theme of this passage from the declaration of independence is best described as: a) experience shows suffering b) new governments provide security c) long-term governments should not be changed lightly d) discomfort can be endured, but abuse will not tolerated

long-term governments should not be changed lightly, letter "C".

Explanation: people tend to fear the unknown, and changing means stepping into the unknown. When it comes to government it is even important maintaining a certain status quo, because every nation must have a long-term plan.

A very good example of this is Dom Dinis, king of Portugal in 1279. He ordered his people to plant many trees, foreseeing that Portugal was going to rule the seas. He wasn't alive when the great navigations of his kingdom happened, but the trees he ordered to plant were put to very good use when the ships were built. That is what a long-term plan is, and that can not happen if governments and rules are changed constantly.

However, the text says to not tolerate absolute despotism, so there will be times when we need to act, and these times are when a government does not plan. When there are no plans, our future is at stake.

Therefore, it is important not to change governments for any meanness, meaningless or pesky reason; this is a very important decision and it must happen when absolutely necessary.