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. What is the meaning of this line from the Declaration of Independence? The British government has supported the natural rights of the colonists over time, but the colonists believe they can do a better job on their own. The colonists believe people have rights that come directly from God simply by being human beings, and no government or law can remove these rights. The British government has not provided enough control to ensure the people’s safety and happiness, so they are making a request for additional laws. The colonists believe that the British government has abused its power and, as a result, they have the right to split away and start their own government.