Section: AP Government

3) The Declaration of Independence most fully demonstrated the argument that 

1. King George had too much authority
2. governments should be rooted in divine right to rule
3. governments who have failed their citizens have lost their right to rule
4. governments should derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed
5. all people should be treated equally by a socialist government

The Declaration of Independence was written to justify and explain a revolution to Americans and in hopes of gaining assistance from foreign allies.  Jefferson's goal was to explain that the British government had failed the colonists and that the rebellion was justified.  In listing the abuses King George had placed upon the colonists so that he could show that Britain no longer had consent of the people.