Read this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence: "Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." Which idea does this excerpt support?

 This excerpt from the Declaration of Independence supports the idea of the right of the people to change or overthrow a government that is not serving their fundamental rights and interests. The "ends" referred to in the excerpt are the protection of certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This idea is rooted in the philosophical concept known as the social contract, where the legitimacy of the government is derived from the consent of the governed. When a government fails to protect these rights and becomes destructive to the objectives of ensuring safety and happiness, it is not only the right but also the duty of the people to alter or abolish it and create a new government that better serves those ends.

Extra: The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, embodies various philosophical and political ideas that were prevalent during the Enlightenment period. One key figure influencing these ideas was the philosopher John Locke, who proposed the concepts of natural rights and the social contract. Natural rights are basic rights that are inherent to all individuals, while the social contract suggests that governments are formed by the people and for the people, and their authority is granted by the consent of those who are governed.

When the Americans felt that the British Crown was infringing upon their natural rights and not governing with the interests of the colonies in mind, they invoked their right to break away and establish a new government. This was a radical notion, as it suggested that the authority of rulers was not absolute and could be challenged by the people if deemed unjust. This part of the Declaration of Independence sets the philosophical foundation for the American Revolution and the subsequent creation of the United States of America, where the power lies with the people and their elected representatives. These concepts have had a profound influence on liberal democracy and on the formation of constitutional governments around the world.