Question

which statement identifies the purpose of the declaration of independence? governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed... whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government... —the declaration of independence

government should have unlimited authority to guarantee basic rights.
the people can overthrow a government that fails to protect basic rights.
government should be based on a written constitution to provide basic rights.
the people can increase government authority to expand basic rights.

Explanation:

The text from the Declaration of Independence states that when a government becomes destructive of certain ends (implied to be protection of rights), the people have the right to alter or abolish it. This aligns with the idea that people can overthrow a government failing to protect basic rights.

Answer:

The people can overthrow a government that fails to protect basic rights.