The Declaration's most famous sentence reads: "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." The political theory announced in the Declaration of Independence can be summed up in a single sentence: First come rights, and then comes government. This proposition is not, as some would say, a libertarian theory of government. There is also a modern American declaration of liberty modeled on the Declaration of Independence of 1776 with various complaints against the federal government including the income tax, welfare, economic regulation and membership in the United Nations. When the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, it was a call for the right to statehood rather than individual liberties, says Stanford historian Jack Rakove. Only after the American Revolution did people interpret it as a promise for individual equality. The Address Itself: Key Themes and Language Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address is a masterclass in rhetoric. Opening with “Four score and seven years ago,” he immediately draws a connection to the nation’s founding in 1776, highlighting the role of the Declaration of Independence as the cornerstone of American ideals. The phrase, which references 87 years, echoes the biblical style of Discover the fascinating history behind America’s birthday with these engaging facts about 4th of July. Independence Day is more than just fireworks and barbecues—it’s a celebration steeped in revolutionary history, patriotic traditions, and surprising stories that shaped the United States. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to modern-day festivities, the 4th of July Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling and punctuation reflects the original. On July 4, 1776, the United States officially declared its independence from the British Empire when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration was authored by a “Committee of Five”—John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman—with Jefferson as the main drafter. But Jefferson himself later admitted How did the Declaration of Independence redefine American liberty? It exercised the power of choice and self governance What was the first written Constitution of the U.S.? How were the powers divided between the states? How did the national congress function under it? What did it hope to do? What were its strengths and weaknesses? Drafted during a time of war and uncertainty, it marked a turning point where the 13 American colonies formally rejected British rule and claimed their right to self-govern. It was more than a political statement—it was a bold proclamation of liberty and a new beginning for a nation. Anytime the issue of fundamental liberty comes up, anytime the issue of equality comes up and any time the issue of government by consent comes up, the Declaration of Independence and for that matter, July 4th, comes up as a touchstone of argument about those broader credal principles of the American polity. Declaration of Independence - Founding Document, US History, Revolutionary War: The Declaration of Independence was written largely by Jefferson, who had displayed talent as a political philosopher and polemicist in his A Summary View of the Rights of British America, published in 1774. What are its central principles? The Declaration emphasizes natural rights like liberty, property, security, and resistance to oppression, equality before the law, freedom of speech and press, and the abolishment of feudal privileges. What role did the Declaration play in French constitutional law? On July 1, 1776, Congress reconvened. The following day, the Lee Resolution for independence was adopted by 12 of the 13 colonies, New York not voting. Immediately afterward, the Congress began to consider the Declaration. The Declaration of Independence, formally adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, announced the United States’ independence from Britain and enumerated to “a candid World” the reasons necessitating this separation. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Why do you think the Declaration of Independence outlines a political philosophy?, Why did the colonists believe they were justified in breaking away from British rule?, In a two- to three-paragraph essay, define in your own words the meaning of the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In your America's independence signaled a fundamental change: once-dependent British colonies became independent states that could make war, create alliances with foreign nations, and engage freely in commerce. The Declaration proclaimed a landmark principle—that "all men are created equal." The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France in 1886, symbolizes hope and freedom, welcoming immigrants to America. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, it embodies liberty's ideals and Franco-American friendship. Constructed with innovative techniques, it was dedicated on October 28, 1886. The statue's torch represents enlightenment, while the inscribed tablet commemorates the Declaration Take a look back at eight moments in history when the nation made strides toward ensuring life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—for all. 1. The Declaration of Independence The most radical idea advanced by the American revolutionaries was the proposition set forth in the Declaration of Independence 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."
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