But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.—Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.

–The Declaration of Independence,
Thomas Jefferson

Based on the passage, what is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

to provide a set of rules and regulations for the United States
to justify the American colonists’ desire for freedom from British rule
to establish new settlements and colonies in America
to encourage England to become a democracy


THE 2ND OPTION