This small portion, which is part of the Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, right at the end of the American Revolution, and which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on the 4th of July, 1776, is part of the explanations given by Jefferson as to why the 13 American colonies had chosen to sever all ties with the British crown and declare their independence from England in all respects. In fact, the Declaration of Independence is made up of the long list of reasons, almost as if it were a letter to be sent to the king of England, as to why the American colonies chose to separate from their English motherland. This particular excerpt, aside from being a reason in itself, is also the statement of the natural and legal rights by which a people are justified to revolt against their official government and seek a change. This quote is born from the ideals and philosophies established by political theorist John Locke and also from the English Declaration of Rights, established in 1689 to abolish the reign of king James II in England. These were sources used by Jefferson to write the Declaration. This quote literally means that people have the right to seek a change in government if this latter cannot ensure the safety of its citizens, or worse, if it becomes destructive or dangerous to the welfare of the people. These ends means the safety, wellbeing and especially the basic rights of all citizens as established by natural law.