Which of the following is a main idea expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

The main idea expressed in the Declaration of Independence is the assertion that individuals are entitled to "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This phrase encapsulates the foundational concept of individual rights that the Founding Fathers emphasized when declaring independence from British rule. It signifies the belief that each person has intrinsic value and should have the freedom to pursue their own path to fulfillment and happiness.

This idea was revolutionary at the time, as it challenged the notion of governance by divine right and promoted a government that derives its authority from the consent of the governed. The framers argued that the primary role of government is to protect these rights, and if it fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish that government.

In contrast, while government supply of basic needs and checks and balances relate to broader governance concepts, they are not explicitly outlined in the Declaration itself. The right to bear arms, although significant, is more closely related to the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights rather than the Declaration. Therefore, the focus on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness distinctly reflects the Declaration's central premise regarding the nature of human rights and government responsibilities.