That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it —declaration of independence what was the purpose of this quote in the declaration of independence? a. it meant that the colonists had the right to break away from great britain. b. it meant that the british government ruled with authority over the colonies. c. it meant that the british government should destroy all rebellions. d. it meant that the colonists should continue to work with the british government.