Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence drew heavily on John Locke's 'Second Treatise,' emphasizing natural rights and the social contract, which gives people the right to revolution against tyranny.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Declaration of Independence and the inclusion of the right of the people to overthrow a tyrannical government were heavily inspired by the political philosophy of John Locke. Particularly, his work in the Second Treatise presented the concept of social contract theory and natural rights. These ideas posited that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property (which Thomas Jefferson rephrased as the pursuit of happiness) and that it is the duty of governments to protect these rights. Should a government fail to do so, and become tyrannical in nature, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government that serves those ends. The choice of Locke's Second Treatise is reinforced by the direct influence it had on enlightenment thinkers and American revolutionaries who adopted his theories into their governance and writings.