Direction for the following 7 (seven) items: Read the following seven passages and answer the items (61-67) that follow the passages. Your answers to these items should be based on the passages only.

Really I think that the poorest he that is in England has a life to live, as the greatest he, and therefore truly, I think it is clear that every man that is to live under a government ought first by his own consent to put himself under the government, and I do think that the poorest man in England is not at all bound in a strict sense to that government that he has not had a voice to put himself under.

The above statement argues for

The correct option is rule according to the consent of the governed.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Analyze the Passage:
The passage states: "every man that is to live under a government ought first by his own consent to put himself under the government..." and emphasizes that no person (regardless of wealth or status) is bound to a government where they have not had a voice.

2. Evaluate the Core Argument:
The passage focuses on political legitimacy and authority coming directly from the agreement/consent of the individuals being governed, rather than economic equality or rule by a specific social class.

3. Match with the Options:
- Option 1 ("distribution of wealth equally to all"): Incorrect, as the passage discusses political voice and consent, not economic distribution.
- Option 2 ("rule according to the consent of the governed"): Correct, as it directly aligns with the passage's assertion that one must consent to be governed.
- Option 3 ("rule of the poor"): Incorrect, the text says the poorest man has a life to live just as the greatest man, establishing equality of consent, not exclusivity of rule by the poor.
- Option 4 ("expropriation of the rich"): Incorrect, no mention of property or wealth expropriation is made.

Thus, the statement clearly argues for rule according to the consent of the governed.