The Declaration of Independence was significantly influenced by John Locke, particularly through the concepts of natural rights and social contract theory. Locke argued that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, and that governments are established to protect these rights. If a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson echoes Locke’s philosophy by stating that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The document also asserts that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, aligning with Locke’s idea of a social contract. This foundation emphasizes that the legitimacy of government is based on the protection of individual rights and the authority granted by the people, reinforcing that if a government becomes destructive, it is the right of the people to change or abolish it.
While the Declaration does include a list of grievances against King George III, which reflects colonial attitudes towards their rights and governance, the core philosophical underpinnings are rooted in Locke's ideas, particularly regarding natural rights and the social contract, making that option the most accurate representation of Locke's influence on the document.