Arbitrary Power vs. Absolute Despotism

Jefferson's original wording in the Declaration of Independence was altered by John Adams and Benjamin Franklin before it was published for the masses.

Whereas Jefferson thought "arbitrary power" sufficient cause for rebellion, Franklin changed it to "absolute despotism."

Source

when a long train of abuses & usurpations pursuing

  invariably the same object, evinces a design to subject reduce them 

 under absolute Despotism [FRANKLIN]
  ^to arbitrary power, it is their right, it is their duty to throw off

  such government, & to provide new guards for their future security