In CONGRESS, July 4, 1776
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men 
are created equal, that they are endowed by their Cre
ator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these 
are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That 
to secure these rights, Governments are instituted am
ong 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 o
f the People to alter or to abolish it, and to instit
ute new Government, laying its foundation on such pri
nciples and organizing its powers in such form, as to
them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety 
and Happiness.