Read the passage.. . that to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. what is the main idea of this passage from the declaration of independence? the colonists would prefer an altered government to a new nation. governments must sometimes be reorganized in order to avoid revolt. people have the right to determine the best form of government for them. government is formed naturally and it evolves with time.