What did Thomas Jefferson rely on while writing the Declaration of Independence?

Question

British Parliamentary procedures
religious documents
the ideas of John Locke
the divine right of kings

Answer 1

Thomas Jefferson primarily relied on the ideas of John Locke while writing the Declaration of Independence. Locke's philosophies on natural rights, government by consent, and the right of the people to overthrow unjust governments heavily influenced Jefferson's arguments for independence. While other factors, such as British Parliamentary procedures and certain religious documents, may have had some influence, Locke's social contract theory was particularly pivotal in shaping the Declaration's core principles.