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

Question

Responses

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.

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.

Writer Thomas Jefferson was using the ancient Greek idea of eudaimonia, which emphasizes happiness as a moral idea or a civic virtue.

Answer 1

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 interpretation captures the essence of the Declaration's assertion that all individuals are entitled to certain unalienable rights, including the right to seek happiness, which is tied to the concept of equality.