Consensus of the Governed

The original desire of the colonists was "only to hare a voice" in the affairs of the Government. Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed * * *. We have petitioned for Redress in the most bumble terras: Our repented Petitions have been answered only by repeated tyranny. - Declaration of Independence. The situation so developed that the colonists totally dissolved "all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain," and established a new form of government based upon the "consent of the governed." "Consent" in the drafting and approval of the instrument of government and its subsequent amendment was a new feature.