Final answer:
The phrase 'governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed' underlines the principle that government authority stems from the people's consent, reflecting the political philosophy of philosophers like John Locke. This principle is foundational in shaping democratic societies and emphasizing that governments must protect inalienable rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
The famous phrases that are quoted from a seminal historic document articulate the principles that a legitimate government is based on. Particularly, the line 'governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed' reveals a fundamental principle that emphasizes the source of governmental power and the rights of the people. This concept reflects the ideas posited by philosophers like John Locke, who believed that legitimate government authority is derived from the consent of those who are governed and that the main role of government is to protect the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. In practice, this means that the people have the authority to establish governments to protect unalienable rights such as Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness, and also to alter or abolish any form of government if it becomes destructive to these ends. This notion of power from the people's consent has been a cornerstone of democratic systems and is evident in the establishment and functioning of liberal democracies.