Activity

Question

In this activity, you will analyze and compare the American Declaration of Independence with the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen.

Question 1
Read the US Declaration of Independence. Look up any unfamiliar words in the dictionary. Then answer this question:

What does the Declaration of Independence say about people’s rights? What does it say about who should have the power in a nation?

Answer 1

The American Declaration of Independence emphasizes that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, which include "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." It asserts that these rights are inherent to all people by virtue of being human and not granted by governments or authorities.

Regarding power in a nation, the Declaration states that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. This means that the authority of the government is legitimate only when it is based on the agreement and support of the people it serves. If a government fails to protect the rights of its citizens or acts against their interests, the Declaration asserts that those citizens have the right to alter or abolish that government and institute a new one that will better secure their rights. This reflects a belief in the sovereignty of the people and the idea that power should rest with the populace.