Question
You are researching why the Declaration of Independence was considered the “most influential document in American history”.
The Prompt: The Ideas of the Declaration: Which is most important?
Prepare to develop a claim regarding the statement above by using your notes on the documents you've just analyzed, and answer the questions that follow. (refer to the instructions on the previous for page on how to write a claim statement)
Background Essay
The Ideals of the Declaration: Which Is Most Important?
History and Structure of the Declaration
By early summer 1776, the Revolutionary War was already a year old. The Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia had appointed a Committee of Five to write a statement explaining the colonists’ arguments for independence from Great Britain. The Committee of Five asked one of its members, 33-year-old Thomas Jefferson, to take on the job of writing the first draft. After Jefferson prepared the draft, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin suggested some changes. The Committee approved the revised draft, and it was delivered to the Congress. Between July 2 and 4, the Congress made other changes, shortening the document by twenty-five percent. Jefferson was unhappy with these changes, but the structure and powerful words of the document are still his.
In the end, the Declaration would not only shape the government and culture of the United States; it would shape the thinking of the world.
The Declaration has a simple structure:
An introduction saying that we owe the world an explanation for our separation;
A statement of ideals about government;
A long list of grievances against the British;
A declaration of independence from Great Britain.
It is the second paragraph of the Declaration – the statement of ideals – that will be our focus in this Mini-Q. In this paragraph, Jefferson said:
“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. – That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.”
Many historians would argue that this is the most important passage in the most important document in American history. Historians also agree that the exact meaning of key words and phrases is open to interpretation. For example, in the first line Jefferson writes, “all men are created equal.” What did he mean by “men”? What did he mean by “equal”? And later in the same sentence, what did Jefferson mean by “Life”? Was he against taking a life? Was he therefore against warfare? And what did he mean by “Liberty?” Was he against slavery even though he enslaved people himself? Indeed, this passage in the Declaration is both powerful and open to interpretation.
Regardless of one’s interpretation, these ideas provide the basis for our Constitution and government. They represent American ideals – that is, they reflect the full vision of what America should be. They are worthy of close inspection.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document A
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal …
Source: Declaration of Sentiments, Women’s Rights Convention, Seneca Falls, NY, July 19-21,1848.
Note: In July 1848, approximately 260 women and 40 men met in Seneca Falls, New York, for one of the first women’s rights conventions. The convention adopted a “Declaration of Sentiments.”
. . . We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Source: Diana Pham, Chicago, IL, July 2012.
Note: Diana Pham and her husband, Vi Luu, arrived in Chicago in 1980 from refugee camps in Indonesia and Malaysia. Diana was asked what she appreciated most about her new country.
As immigrant boat people from communist Vietnam, we appreciate the opportunity given to us to build our lives in the United States. Our two daughters are just finishing their university education at Stanford and Michigan which would never have been possible without this country’s belief in equality. My daughters, like other Americans, had an equal opportunity to succeed. America has given our family the chance to become whatever we choose to become.
Document B
… that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness …
Source: Steve Greenberg, VC Reporter, Ventura, CA, March 22, 2010.
Source: Andrew Sullivan, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” This I Believe, National Public Radio, July 4, 2005.
I believe in life. I believe in treasuring it as a mystery…that should never be destroyed….
I believe in liberty. I believe that within every soul lies the [ability] to reach for its own good…. I believe in a system of government that places liberty at the center of its concerns…. I believe in the right to own property [and] to maintain it....
I believe in the pursuit of happiness. Not its attainment, nor its final definition, but its pursuit. I believe in the journey, not the arrival….
Document C
… That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed …
Source: “Tiananmen Square Massacre 20 Years On,” The Telegraph (UK), 2009.
Note: In the spring of 1989, Chinese university students and other protestors occupied Tiananmen Square in Beijing. They condemned government corruption and called for a change to democracy. The photograph shows demonstrating high school students. On June 4, the protests were crushed by the Chinese government. Up to 3,000 people were killed.
Source: “The Consent of the Governed: Essential Principles,” Democracy Web: Comparative Studies in Freedom, 2006.
“The most fundamental concept of democracy is the idea that government exists to secure the rights of the people and must be based on the consent of the governed….
“The essential meaning of consent of the governed can be better understood by examining countries where it is lacking. In 1989, Chinese students who had gathered in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square adopted the Statue of Liberty… as the symbol of their demands for truth, freedom, and democracy from their government….
“The United States of America was the first modern state formed around the principle of consent of the governed. The term implies that the people of a country or territory… consent, in a [vote] or through elected representatives, to the establishment of their own government….”
Document D
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…
Source: Carol Moore Report, July 3, 2008.
Note: The photo is from the blog of a successionist activist who supports the Vermont secession movement. This movement was launched in 2003 by people who were angry about the bigness of the federal government. The goal was to return Vermont to the independent status it had between 1777-1791, before it joined the United States. Traditionally, an upside-down flag was a distress signal for ships at sea.
Source: “Declaration of Tea Party Independence,” February 24, 2010.
Note: The Tea Party movement takes its name from the Boston Tea Party of the revolutionary era. Tea Party members believe in following the words and intent (as they understand it) of the Declaration and the Constitution. They support a smaller government, lower taxes, and reduction of the national debt.
Declaration of Tea Party Independence
As the course of human events winds its way through History, it has found some paths lead to Tyranny and some to Liberty. In seeking a path to Liberty, a great and powerful movement is now rising from every corner of our land. Created by the Will of the American People, it rejects unconstitutional domination by the Government that is supposed to be its servant. This movement has arisen, in large part, because our elected officials have failed us….
Therefore, Individuals acting through the Tea Party Movement, seek to restore the policies, which are proven to safeguard liberty and prosperity for all. We will organize, demonstrate and vote until this restoration has been achieved.
The Prompt: The Ideas of the Declaration: Which is most important?
Prepare to develop a claim regarding the statement above by using your notes on the documents you've just analyzed, and answer the questions that follow. (refer to the instructions on the previous for page on how to write a claim statement)
Background Essay
The Ideals of the Declaration: Which Is Most Important?
History and Structure of the Declaration
By early summer 1776, the Revolutionary War was already a year old. The Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia had appointed a Committee of Five to write a statement explaining the colonists’ arguments for independence from Great Britain. The Committee of Five asked one of its members, 33-year-old Thomas Jefferson, to take on the job of writing the first draft. After Jefferson prepared the draft, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin suggested some changes. The Committee approved the revised draft, and it was delivered to the Congress. Between July 2 and 4, the Congress made other changes, shortening the document by twenty-five percent. Jefferson was unhappy with these changes, but the structure and powerful words of the document are still his.
In the end, the Declaration would not only shape the government and culture of the United States; it would shape the thinking of the world.
The Declaration has a simple structure:
An introduction saying that we owe the world an explanation for our separation;
A statement of ideals about government;
A long list of grievances against the British;
A declaration of independence from Great Britain.
It is the second paragraph of the Declaration – the statement of ideals – that will be our focus in this Mini-Q. In this paragraph, Jefferson said:
“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. – That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it.”
Many historians would argue that this is the most important passage in the most important document in American history. Historians also agree that the exact meaning of key words and phrases is open to interpretation. For example, in the first line Jefferson writes, “all men are created equal.” What did he mean by “men”? What did he mean by “equal”? And later in the same sentence, what did Jefferson mean by “Life”? Was he against taking a life? Was he therefore against warfare? And what did he mean by “Liberty?” Was he against slavery even though he enslaved people himself? Indeed, this passage in the Declaration is both powerful and open to interpretation.
Regardless of one’s interpretation, these ideas provide the basis for our Constitution and government. They represent American ideals – that is, they reflect the full vision of what America should be. They are worthy of close inspection.
—---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document A
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal …
Source: Declaration of Sentiments, Women’s Rights Convention, Seneca Falls, NY, July 19-21,1848.
Note: In July 1848, approximately 260 women and 40 men met in Seneca Falls, New York, for one of the first women’s rights conventions. The convention adopted a “Declaration of Sentiments.”
. . . We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men and women are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Source: Diana Pham, Chicago, IL, July 2012.
Note: Diana Pham and her husband, Vi Luu, arrived in Chicago in 1980 from refugee camps in Indonesia and Malaysia. Diana was asked what she appreciated most about her new country.
As immigrant boat people from communist Vietnam, we appreciate the opportunity given to us to build our lives in the United States. Our two daughters are just finishing their university education at Stanford and Michigan which would never have been possible without this country’s belief in equality. My daughters, like other Americans, had an equal opportunity to succeed. America has given our family the chance to become whatever we choose to become.
Document B
… that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness …
Source: Steve Greenberg, VC Reporter, Ventura, CA, March 22, 2010.
Source: Andrew Sullivan, “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” This I Believe, National Public Radio, July 4, 2005.
I believe in life. I believe in treasuring it as a mystery…that should never be destroyed….
I believe in liberty. I believe that within every soul lies the [ability] to reach for its own good…. I believe in a system of government that places liberty at the center of its concerns…. I believe in the right to own property [and] to maintain it....
I believe in the pursuit of happiness. Not its attainment, nor its final definition, but its pursuit. I believe in the journey, not the arrival….
Document C
… That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed …
Source: “Tiananmen Square Massacre 20 Years On,” The Telegraph (UK), 2009.
Note: In the spring of 1989, Chinese university students and other protestors occupied Tiananmen Square in Beijing. They condemned government corruption and called for a change to democracy. The photograph shows demonstrating high school students. On June 4, the protests were crushed by the Chinese government. Up to 3,000 people were killed.
Source: “The Consent of the Governed: Essential Principles,” Democracy Web: Comparative Studies in Freedom, 2006.
“The most fundamental concept of democracy is the idea that government exists to secure the rights of the people and must be based on the consent of the governed….
“The essential meaning of consent of the governed can be better understood by examining countries where it is lacking. In 1989, Chinese students who had gathered in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square adopted the Statue of Liberty… as the symbol of their demands for truth, freedom, and democracy from their government….
“The United States of America was the first modern state formed around the principle of consent of the governed. The term implies that the people of a country or territory… consent, in a [vote] or through elected representatives, to the establishment of their own government….”
Document D
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…
Source: Carol Moore Report, July 3, 2008.
Note: The photo is from the blog of a successionist activist who supports the Vermont secession movement. This movement was launched in 2003 by people who were angry about the bigness of the federal government. The goal was to return Vermont to the independent status it had between 1777-1791, before it joined the United States. Traditionally, an upside-down flag was a distress signal for ships at sea.
Source: “Declaration of Tea Party Independence,” February 24, 2010.
Note: The Tea Party movement takes its name from the Boston Tea Party of the revolutionary era. Tea Party members believe in following the words and intent (as they understand it) of the Declaration and the Constitution. They support a smaller government, lower taxes, and reduction of the national debt.
Declaration of Tea Party Independence
As the course of human events winds its way through History, it has found some paths lead to Tyranny and some to Liberty. In seeking a path to Liberty, a great and powerful movement is now rising from every corner of our land. Created by the Will of the American People, it rejects unconstitutional domination by the Government that is supposed to be its servant. This movement has arisen, in large part, because our elected officials have failed us….
Therefore, Individuals acting through the Tea Party Movement, seek to restore the policies, which are proven to safeguard liberty and prosperity for all. We will organize, demonstrate and vote until this restoration has been achieved.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
**Claim Statement:**
The most important idea in the Declaration of Independence is the assertion that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with unalienable rights, including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," as this foundational principle establishes the basis for equality and individual rights that have since influenced countless movements for justice and equality in American history and around the world.
---
**Supporting Argumentation:**
1. **Foundation of American Ideals:**
The phrase "all men are created equal" represents a bold declaration that challenges existing social hierarchies and inequities. This ideal became the cornerstone for movements such as women's suffrage and civil rights, as evidenced by the Declaration of Sentiments during the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, which adapted Jefferson's words to include women. This demonstrates the power and adaptability of the Declaration's ideals that have inspired ongoing struggles for equality.
2. **Unalienable Rights as Universal Principles:**
Jefferson's identification of "unalienable Rights" -- namely, "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" -- articulates the inherent rights of individuals that must be respected and protected by the government. This idea resonates deeply, as highlighted in modern discussions of rights, such as those shared by immigrants like Diana Pham, who express gratitude for the opportunities afforded by such principles in their pursuit of happiness and success.
3. **Consent of the Governed:**
The assertion that governments derive their just powers from the "consent of the governed" is crucial. It emphasizes the role of the citizenry in establishing and maintaining a government that protects their rights. Historical parallels, like those drawn from the Tiananmen Square protests, illustrate that these concepts are not only central to American governance but resonate worldwide as a call for democratic rights and freedoms.
4. **Right to Alter or Abolish Government:**
The Declaration's assertion that people have the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to their rights underlines the importance of active civic engagement and resistance to tyranny. Movements like the Tea Party reflect contemporary applications of this principle, as they advocate for governmental accountability and a return to founding values rooted in the Declaration.
---
**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence serves as a comprehensive manifesto of American values. The assertion that "all men are created equal" encapsulates the essential ideals of equality and individual rights, acting as a catalyst for various movements throughout history that continue to shape societal understanding of justice and governance. The power of Jefferson's words fosters a legacy that urges society to strive for a more equitable future, making it the most influential and enduring concept within this pivotal document.
The most important idea in the Declaration of Independence is the assertion that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with unalienable rights, including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness," as this foundational principle establishes the basis for equality and individual rights that have since influenced countless movements for justice and equality in American history and around the world.
---
**Supporting Argumentation:**
1. **Foundation of American Ideals:**
The phrase "all men are created equal" represents a bold declaration that challenges existing social hierarchies and inequities. This ideal became the cornerstone for movements such as women's suffrage and civil rights, as evidenced by the Declaration of Sentiments during the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, which adapted Jefferson's words to include women. This demonstrates the power and adaptability of the Declaration's ideals that have inspired ongoing struggles for equality.
2. **Unalienable Rights as Universal Principles:**
Jefferson's identification of "unalienable Rights" -- namely, "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" -- articulates the inherent rights of individuals that must be respected and protected by the government. This idea resonates deeply, as highlighted in modern discussions of rights, such as those shared by immigrants like Diana Pham, who express gratitude for the opportunities afforded by such principles in their pursuit of happiness and success.
3. **Consent of the Governed:**
The assertion that governments derive their just powers from the "consent of the governed" is crucial. It emphasizes the role of the citizenry in establishing and maintaining a government that protects their rights. Historical parallels, like those drawn from the Tiananmen Square protests, illustrate that these concepts are not only central to American governance but resonate worldwide as a call for democratic rights and freedoms.
4. **Right to Alter or Abolish Government:**
The Declaration's assertion that people have the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to their rights underlines the importance of active civic engagement and resistance to tyranny. Movements like the Tea Party reflect contemporary applications of this principle, as they advocate for governmental accountability and a return to founding values rooted in the Declaration.
---
**Conclusion:**
In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence serves as a comprehensive manifesto of American values. The assertion that "all men are created equal" encapsulates the essential ideals of equality and individual rights, acting as a catalyst for various movements throughout history that continue to shape societal understanding of justice and governance. The power of Jefferson's words fosters a legacy that urges society to strive for a more equitable future, making it the most influential and enduring concept within this pivotal document.