Final answer:
The quote from the Declaration of Independence that best reflects the principle of popular sovereignty is the one stating that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed, emphasizing the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote that best reflects the principle of popular sovereignty in the Declaration of Independence is "All men are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This quote embodies the idea that government is formed by the will of the people and that its legitimate powers are derived from the consent of the governed. In essence, it underscores that the authority of a government is valid only if it is established and maintained by the people whom it governs. This is in contrast to a monarchy or dictatorship where authority is often imposed.
Popular sovereignty is a core democratic principle indicating that people have the intrinsic right to self-governance. The Declaration's assertion supports the concept that if a government fails to protect these rights or becomes "destructive of these ends," it is not only the right but also the duty of the people to alter or abolish that government in pursuit of safety and happiness. This is foundational to the idea of American independence and democracy, and the rights echoed in this quote have been a guiding principle for the nation and have influenced human rights globally.