What principle is Thomas Jefferson advocating for in the Declaration of Independence excerpt regarding government?

Thomas Jefferson's advocacy for popular sovereignty in the Declaration of Independence emphasizes the idea that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. This principle underscores that the legitimacy of a government is dependent on the will and preferences of the people it serves. Jefferson articulates that individuals possess inherent rights and that it is the responsibility of the government to protect those rights. When a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and institute a new government that will secure their safety and happiness.

This foundational belief in popular sovereignty highlights the democratic principle that the power of the state rests in the hands of its citizens, who are entitled to participate in decision-making processes. This directly contrasts with other concepts, such as federalism (which deals with the distribution of power between national and state governments), the rule of law (which emphasizes that no one is above the law), and separation of powers (which divides government responsibilities among different branches). While these concepts are important to the framework of governance, Jefferson's primary focus in the Declaration is on the authority of the people to govern themselves, making popular sovereignty the correct answer.