The Declaration Of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is a statement that was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It was at once the nations most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson's most enduring monument. Jefferson expressed the convictions in the minds and hearts of the American people. The declaration of independence is the founding document of the American nation: all men are created equally, and they are free and possess the same inherent, natural rights. Therefore, legitimate governments must be based on the consent of the governed and must exist to "secure these rights."
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In the Declaration of Independence it states, "all men are created equal". This was the first time any one even bothered to write this down. There is so much more in the Declaration than what is needed to declare their right of freedom. It means so much more than anyone really understands. The circumstances of the declaration's writing make us appreciate its exceptionalist claims even more. It is the founding document of the American political tradition.
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The Declaration has three parts- the famous preamble, a list of charges against King George 111, and a conclusion. The preamble summarizes the fundamental principals of American self-government. The list of charges against the king examples of the violation of those principles. The stirring conclusion calls for duty, action, and sacrifice.
The war against Britain had been going on for more than two years when the continental congress following a resolution of Richard Henry Lee on June 7, 1776 appointed a committee to explore the independence of the colonies from great Britain. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Rodger Sherman, and Robert Livingston turned to their colleague Thomas Jefferson to draft a formal declaration which they then submitted with few corrections, to congress. On July 2 congress voted for independence and proceeded to debate the wording of the declaration, which was, with the notable deletion of Jefferson's vehement condemnation of slavery, unanimously approved on July 4. Every fourth of July, America Celebrates not the actual act of independence, (proclaimed on July 2) but the public proclamation of the principles behind the act.
The war against Britain had been going on for more than two years when the continental congress following a resolution of Richard Henry Lee on June 7, 1776 appointed a committee to explore the independence of the colonies from great Britain. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Rodger Sherman, and Robert Livingston turned to their colleague Thomas Jefferson to draft a formal declaration which they then submitted with few corrections, to congress. On July 2 congress voted for independence and proceeded to debate the wording of the declaration, which was, with the notable deletion of Jefferson's vehement condemnation of slavery, unanimously approved on July 4. Every fourth of July, America Celebrates not the actual act of independence, (proclaimed on July 2) but the public proclamation of the principles behind the act.
Rights- Rights are acknowledged and affirmed liberties inherit in human nature- the right to own property for example. they are not merely powers, and neither are they wishes or desires. " Endowed by their creator" these rights transcend the ability of any government to destroy them. These inherent or natural rights produce legitimate government and deny the legitimacy of any government justified merely on. Such as, heredity, religion, class, race, or wealth.
Equality- American Government is fundamentally about rights or liberty. But these rights follow the equality of all men This precedence of equality obviously doesn't mean an equality of strength, character, batting averages or writing skill.The Declarations idea of equality would forbid such leveling of the natural diverse of human condition. Whatever our differences, there is a fundamental human identity- that no one is born to rule or be ruled.
Equality- American Government is fundamentally about rights or liberty. But these rights follow the equality of all men This precedence of equality obviously doesn't mean an equality of strength, character, batting averages or writing skill.The Declarations idea of equality would forbid such leveling of the natural diverse of human condition. Whatever our differences, there is a fundamental human identity- that no one is born to rule or be ruled.
*Thomas Jefferson (drafted the declaration)
*Richard Henry Lee (got a committee to explore the independence of the colonies from Great Britain)
Questions:
When did congress vote for independence?
a. January 23, 1776
b. July 12, 1934
c. July 2, 1776
d. April 15, 1855
a. January 23, 1776
b. July 12, 1934
c. July 2, 1776
d. April 15, 1855
Who drafted the declaration?
a. Richard Henry Lee
b. Thomas Jefferson
c. Justin Bieber
d. Santa Clause
a. Richard Henry Lee
b. Thomas Jefferson
c. Justin Bieber
d. Santa Clause
When was the declaration approved?
a. July 27, !729
b. November 15, 1776
c. June 16, 1544
d. July 4, 1776
a. July 27, !729
b. November 15, 1776
c. June 16, 1544
d. July 4, 1776