This is a quote from the Declaration of Independence. 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. How did this quote shape the formation of the United States government? It inspired the system of checks and balances. It inspired the system of checks and balances. It inspired the federalist system. It inspired the federalist system. It established the belief that all citizens have rights. It established the belief that all citizens have rights. It established the belief that religion should be separate from government.