Final answer:
The excerpt from the Declaration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson, showcases the emergence of democratic ideals as it emphasizes the Enlightenment-inspired notion of natural rights and the equality of men, while also underpinning the idea that government should operate with the consent of the governed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt from the Declaration of Independence best serves as evidence for the development of emergence of democratic ideals. The Declaration, drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, espouses the Enlightenment principles of natural rights, proclaiming that "all men are created equal" and “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” such as "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Although this radical assertion existed alongside the contradictory practice of slavery, it serves as a cornerstone for American democratic values and the notion that government is subject to the consent of the governed.