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.

Commentary:

The underlined phase was to arbitrary power in Jefferson's original draft of the Declaration. It was changed to under absolute Despotism by Dr. Franklin to emphasize the kings actions.

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Commentary Provided By: D.J. Mason