Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence posits that all legitimate power is derived from the consent of the governed, emphasizing the democratic principle that the authority of government originates from the permission of the people to be ruled.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Declaration of Independence establishes that all legitimate power stems from the consent of the governed. This principle asserts that the authority of a government should derive from the permission of the people, reflecting the fundamental democratic idea of popular sovereignty. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and influenced by the ideas of John Locke, the Declaration expresses the belief that people have certain inalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that it is the role of governments to protect these rights.
The legitimate authority of any government, according to the Declaration, rests on its ability to serve the people and safeguard these inalienable rights. If the government fails to fulfill this critical role, the Declaration states that the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government that will ensure their safety and happiness. This is indicative of the democratic values it espouses, arguing that the people are the best judges of their government's performance and have the ultimate authority to change it as necessary.