We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…” --Declaration of Independence, 1776 According to the excerpt above, the Declaration of Independence influenced the development of American democracy by: A. allowing women to take part in government B. demanding an immediate end to the British policy of salutary neglect. C. stating that people are the source of the government's power. D. rejecting unfair taxes imposed by the British.