The part of the Declaration of Independence that explains why the colonists wanted to break away from Great Britain is the section known as the "Preamble." This part outlines the reasons for seeking independence and asserts the rights of the people. It famously declares, "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." It goes on to state that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that when a government fails to protect the rights of the people, it is their right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government.
