To secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

in a expatiation / summary

1 answer

The passage emphasizes the foundational principle of governance that holds that the primary role of government is to protect the rights of individuals. It asserts that governments are established by people, and their authority is legitimate only when it is based on the consent of those they govern. This underscores the idea that political power should arise from the collective agreement of the populace, highlighting the importance of democracy and individual rights in the structure of society. Ultimately, it conveys a belief that the government exists to serve the people, rather than the other way around.