Final answer:
The King of England was accused in the Declaration of Independence of having infringed upon the colonists' inalienable rights by imposing taxes without consent, obstructing trade, denying trial by jury, and undermining self-governance, leading to a declaration of independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Declaration of Independence, the King of England, King George III, had taken various actions that infringed upon the colonists' rights, thereby failing to protect these rights as he should have. This neglect and misconduct took many forms, including imposing taxes without consent, obstructing trade, denying trial by jury, and undermining the colonists' right to self-governance. As Thomas Jefferson stated, the King had established 'an absolute Tyranny over these States,' leading the colonists to declare independence and seek to form a government that would adequately protect their inalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, principles heavily influenced by philosopher John Locke. This history underscores the importance of eternal vigilance as the price of liberty, emphasizing that active citizenship is imperative in upholding constitutional liberties.