Sara Batt Major Principles of the Declaration of Independence American Civilization July 2, 2013

The Declaration of Independence, written on July 4, 1776, was one of the most influential documents in American history. This document presented strong cause for the separation from Great Britain and for the development of the Thirteen United States of America. With America being its own country, the government and citizens could now decide their own principles to live by, without being under King George IIIs ruling. This declaration stated a need for change from the current ruling, to pursue a better life in an independent America. Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the document, clearly stated principles in the document, showing desire and hope for a better future, under God, for freedoms, equality, and the continual pursuit of happiness. In the declaration of independence, Thomas Jefferson seeked for equality of all men. All men were to be treated equally, with their given rights and natural rights. There was some contradiction, however, in the declaration due to the widespread use of slaves at the time. Many of those in congress, including Jefferson himself, owned slaves and congress decided not to discuss the slave trade in the declaration. Women, also, were not discussed in the document, and were not necessarily considered in the push for equality of all men. Neither slaves nor women were given certain rights, such as, the right to vote or to own land, until years later. Even though, at the time, women and slaves had not received all the same equal rights as white men, it was a major step towards true equality and freedom amongst all people who resided within the lands of America. The self-evident truths of natural rights are discussed and respected within the declaration of independence. The unalienable rights to a person are merely natural and they cannot be taken from an individual. Amongst many natural rights, discussed in the document are the rights to

personal security and safety, the right to personal liberty and freedom, the right to acquire and enjoy property, and the right to the pursuit of happiness. Without respect for these natural human rights, certain freedoms would not be present, and the pursuit of happiness that the document discusses could not be achieved to its fullest. Congress seeked to have a country where they could live in peace provided by their own set of principles separate from the rulings of a King. With a foundation of peace, equality, and freedom, congress believed the Declaration of Independence would offer a better opportunity to pursue happiness. America would be the start of a new way of life, offering room for progression and growth for individuals, as well as families who could thrive under new independence. These freedoms allowed for the voice of the people in government decision making. The governments rule is by the will of the people, not by the rulers. Unlike a Kings ruling, the President, alone, does not make the rules and laws. The citizens have the right and the ability to vote for or against decisions made within their state, as well as decisions made for the country as a whole. The pursuit of happiness applies to all men, and to keep the peace, the opinions and views of all people were taken into consideration. Amongst these freedoms and rights, stated clearly in the document is every humans right to personal safety. The governments responsibility is to protect and provide safety of the citizens living within the country boundaries. Without safety, there is no peace. The government must provide laws and rules allowing for a safe country to live. If there is a threat to someones safety, it is their right and their duty to make a change. The Declaration of Independence was the first major step to a new way of life and living. Not only did it open independence and freedom for white men in America, but it influenced equal rights for women and opened up the discussion of anti-slavery and eventually led to the

freedom of all slaves. Above all, the Declaration of Independence laid out a clear vision of the path to happiness. All men deserve to be treated equally, with the right to live freely, in hopes for a positive and peaceful future.