John Locke's influence on the Declaration of Independence is evident in the concept of natural rights, which are referenced in the preamble. According to Locke's philosophy, all individuals have natural rights that include the right to life, liberty, and property, and these rights can not be taken away by any government. The Declaration of Independence similarly asserts that people have the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," which can not be infringed upon by any government. Ultimately, this notion of natural rights became a fundamental principle of American political thought and has influenced many subsequent declarations of rights and constitutions around the world.
