Read the excerpt from the Declaration of Independence and answer the question.

Question

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, and to institute new Government.

Based on the excerpt, which facts about slavery in the United States directly conflict with the principles of the Declaration of Independence? Select all that apply.
A
.

Slaves could not vote on the government.

B.

Slave rebellions were suppressed.

C.

Slaves were not given educations.

D
.

Slaves were not paid for their labor.

E.

Slaves were not free to pursue their interests.

Answer 1

The principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence emphasize that all men are created equal and are endowed with unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Given this context, the following facts about slavery in the United States directly conflict with those principles:

A. Slaves could not vote on the government.
D. Slaves were not paid for their labor.
E. Slaves were not free to pursue their interests.

These options highlight the denial of rights and liberties to enslaved individuals, which contradicts the assertion of equality and unalienable rights made in the Declaration of Independence.