The foundational principles of U.S. democracy are laid down in the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, this document asserts the inherent rights of individuals, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It argues for the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to these ends, emphasizing the idea of popular sovereignty. The Declaration not only justified the American colonies' break from British rule but also established the philosophical underpinnings for democratic governance, inspiring future movements for freedom and equality around the world.