The truths the writers of the Declaration of Independence held to be "self-evident" are outlined explicitly in the document on a point-by-point basis. The first is that all men are created equal, an overt dismissal of ideas such as aristocracy and other social structures which accorded men greater or lesser status because of the circumstances of their birth. Next, men are afforded certain rights by God that are "unalienable" (cannot be taken from them): they have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

The next stipulation is that it is the primary purpose of governments to help men pursue these rights and that governments derive their validity from the consent of those they rule. Finally, the document stipulates that if a government does not have the consent of those it governs or if it is not helping its people secure their "unalienable rights," then the people are absolutely within their rights to dismantle the government, as it has proven itself invalid and unfit to govern.