This was the thesis of the Declaration of Independence upon which the theory for the Constitution was based. That natural rights are 1) exist and 2) are &quot;God given&quot; and are not granted by governments.<p>&quot;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. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed....&quot;