What does this quotation from the introduction of the Declaration of Independence do? When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another . . . a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

It explains what the rest of the document will do.
It acknowledges the authority of the monarchy.
It lists the rights that nature gives all men.
It states the colonists’ lack of respect for Great Britain.