Which of the following best analyzes the meaning of “pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence?(1 point)

Responses

The phrase was included to show that if people are equal, they will be able to pursue happiness because they have the right to do so.
The phrase was included to show that if people are equal, they will be able to pursue happiness because they have the right to do so.

The delegates wanted to make sure that all colonists could pursue their dreams and become happy in the new country being made.
The delegates wanted to make sure that all colonists could pursue their dreams and become happy in the new country being made.

The “pursuit of happiness” was included to show that governments have to give people things that will make them become happy.
The “pursuit of happiness” was included to show that governments have to give people things that will make them become happy.

Writer Thomas Jefferson was using the ancient Greek idea of eudaimonia, which em

1 answer

The best analysis of the meaning of “pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence is:

The phrase was included to show that if people are equal, they will be able to pursue happiness because they have the right to do so.

This response effectively captures the idea that the phrase emphasizes the inherent rights of individuals in a society, aligning with the broader themes of equality and liberty that are central to the Declaration. The other options do not fully encapsulate the philosophical underpinnings of the statement as it pertains to the rights of individuals in a democratic society.