The Declaration of Independence

Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence expresses the belief in freedom held by the citizens of the United States. The signers of the declaration agreed that all people have natural rights and freedoms, including individual liberty, which no person or government can take away. In fact, governments can only gain power when individuals consent to be governed.

      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. (from the Declaration of Independence)