The Declaration of Independence

Natural Rights

Basic rights guaranteed by the people; cannot be denied or restricted by the government or individuals: “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

Purpose of Government

The government should help ensure “natural” or “unalienable” rights

Social Contract

Government derives their power from the people; government is effectively an agreement. and people can therefore change their government if it fails to protect their natural rights

Consent of the Governed

Governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the people; people let their voices be heard through voting for their representation

Popular Sovereignty

The people hold ultimate authority over the government, which exists to serve them

Limited Government

The government’s power is limited by the rule of law; the government is not all powerful

Rights to Revolt

If the government fails to protect people’s rights. citizens have the right to overthrow it

Influence

Based on the Enlightenment thinker John Locke’s theories of natural rights, social contract, and the right to revolt