Which statement is an example of the enlightenment influence on the independence movement in colonial America

Bearing in mind the ideals of the Enlightenment movement such as freedom, equality, democracy and universalism, it is possible to state that they had a great impact on the American founding fathers as well as the colonists. The Age of Enlightenment also influenced the rise of nationalism as well as the development of democratic governments, as this happened among the American inhabitants. In the following passage, it is possible to find out the ideas that strongly influenced the independence movement: "We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable 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." Moreover, the Declaration of Independence portrayed John Locke's beliefs about life, liberty and property in Thomas Jefferson's words "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness".

John Locke was one of the most important philosopher of this period who strongly believed that a government was legitimate only if the citizens recognized it as their authority.

Not only Thomas Jefferson but also Benjamin Franklin and other American revolutionaries during those times were inspired by the Enlightenment ideals. As a result, the Declaration of Independence clearly expresses these principles: "all men are created equal", " (all people have ...) unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," and " (any government's power comes ...) from the consent of the governed."