Question

That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness."—Declaration of Independence Under what principle of government do the people have the right described in this quote?

Answer 1

The quote gives the people the right to abolish the government as soon as it become destructive to the country and/or its citizens.

Answer 2

The Declaration of Independence of the US was very inspired by the Enlightenment movement, especially by the philosopher John Locke. John as the Declaration of Independence defended that the government is instituted among men to secure the rights of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness and that when the government fails to protect those rights the people had the right to change the government because it failed its main purpose.