"We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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,-That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.-That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of 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 Which philosopher was Thomas Jefferson borrowing from when writing this portion of the Declaration? Hobbes Locke Rousseau Montesquieu

## Step 1<br />The question is asking us to identify the philosopher whose ideas Thomas Jefferson borrowed from when writing a specific portion of the Declaration of Independence. The options provided are Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu.<br />## Step 2<br />The passage in question emphasizes the concepts of natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. These ideas align closely with the philosophy of John Locke.<br />## Step 3<br />John Locke was a 17th-century English philosopher who argued that individuals possess natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property, and that governments exist to protect these rights. If a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.<br />## Step 4<br />This philosophy had a significant influence on the American Declaration of Independence, which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson.