Thomas Jefferson directly states that the reason the Declaration of Independence had to be written was because it became "necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another" when a government becomes tyrannical and violates the natural rights of the people. He explains that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, and when that consent is betrayed by repeated injuries and usurpations-specifically by King George III's actions-the people have the right and duty to overthrow that government and establish a new one that will secure their safety and happiness
. In other words, Jefferson framed the Declaration as a formal justification for independence due to the British Crown's persistent violations of the colonists' rights, making separation a necessary and rightful act
. The document lists grievances against King George III to demonstrate the pattern of tyranny that compelled the colonies to declare themselves free and independent states
