Final answer:
The preamble of the Declaration of Independence uses Enlightenment principles to justify the American colonies' independence, particularly the ideas of universal human rights, the right of the people to form governments that protect these rights, and the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to these ends.
Step-by-step explanation:
The section of the Declaration of Independence that uses Enlightenment principles to explain why the colonies should be free from British rule is the preamble. The preamble begins with a declaration of universal human rights and values, asserting that "all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." This introduction clearly reflects Enlightenment ideals, particularly those of philosopher John Locke, and forms the moral basis for the colonies' claim to independence.
The document continues by stating the purpose of government is to secure these rights, and that when any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, the people have the right to alter or abolish it, in order to institute new governance. This was a direct response to the perceived tyranny of King George III and the British government's failure to protect the colonists' rights, ultimately justifying the call for a new, self-governed and independent nation, free of British rule.