Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence argues that people have inalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments should derive their power from the consent of the governed. When a government violates these principles, people have the right to change or abolish it, as the Declaration justified America's separation from Britain and laid the groundwork for its government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The argument made in the Declaration of Independence is centered around the idea that people have fundamental rights and liberties that cannot be infringed upon by governments or rulers. It states that all men are created equal and possess inalienable rights, including "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This document, penned by Thomas Jefferson, declares that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed, and when a government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and to institute a new government that will ensure their safety and happiness.
These principles were not only a response to the tyranny of King George III but also laid a foundation for the new nation's governance. The Declaration served as a proclamation to the world, justifying the colonies' separation from Britain by listing grievances and outlining their desire to govern themselves. This historic document remains a pillar in the foundation of American government and its democratic ideals resonate in the fabric of the nation even today.