What does Jefferson say is the source from which governments derive their powers?

Thomas Jefferson, primarily through the Declaration of Independence, articulates that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. This philosophical standpoint is deeply rooted in Enlightenment thinking, particularly the ideas of John Locke, who emphasized that legitimate political power must be based on the approval and agreement of the people over whom that power is exercised.

In this context, Jefferson asserts that governments are not formed arbitrarily or established by force, but rather are created by individuals who come together in a social contract, agreeing to grant authority to a governing body to protect their rights. This underscores the principle of popular sovereignty, which holds that the authority of the government is granted by the will of the people and that any government that fails to secure these rights can be altered or abolished by the people. Jefferson’s assertion emphasizes the fundamental belief in democracy and the importance of individual rights in the governance process.