University of Virginia Library

3472. GOVERNMENT, Abolition of destructive.—

We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal; that
they are endowed by their Creator with inherent
and [221] inalienable rights; that among
these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness; that to secure these rights, governments
are instituted among men, deriving
their just powers from the consent of the
governed; that 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.—
Declaration of Independence as Drawn by Jefferson.

 
[221]

The words “inherent and” were struck out by
Congress and the word “certain” was inserted—Editor.