"that whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to affect their safety and happiness." -declaration of independence under what principle of government to the people have the right described in this quote?
a)natural rights
b)social contract
c)popular sovereignty
d)limited government

The correct answer is A) Natural rights.

Natural rights are rights/liberties that all individuals have for simply existing within a society. These natural (also called inalienable rights) do not need to be given to people by a government or any other institution. This lays at the heart of the Declaration of Independence, especially in the quote included within the question. This quote shows that the citizens of the United States now have the ability to change or get rid of any government that does not meet their needs. This is a right that citizens automatically have and the government can do nothing about.