The Declaration of Independence was significantly influenced by John Locke's philosophy, particularly his 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. He also posited that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed, and if a government fails to protect these rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
This influence is evident in the Declaration of Independence, as it asserts that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The document further emphasizes the idea that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed and outlines the colonists' grievances against King George III, justifying their decision to seek independence.
While the Declaration also addresses the rights of Englishmen and the notion of separation of powers, its core philosophical underpinnings are deeply rooted in Lockean ideas about natural rights and the social contract, making that the most relevant response.
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