What core principle does the Declaration of Independence represent regarding government authority?

The core principle represented by the Declaration of Independence regarding government authority is that power is derived from the people. This foundational idea posits that government exists to serve the will of the governed, emphasizing that legitimate authority arises from the consent of the people. The Declaration articulates the belief that individuals have inherent rights and that any government must be established based on the collective agreement and support of its citizens.

This principle is pivotal to American democratic ideals, advocating that if a government fails to protect the rights of its citizens or does not represent their interests, the people have the right to alter or abolish that government. The concept of popular sovereignty underscores the belief that the ultimate source of government authority lies with the people, rather than being imposed by hereditary monarchs or a select elite. This hallmark of democracy resonated strongly at the time of the Declaration’s signing and continues to influence American political thought today.