The “Declaration of Independence” is one of the most critical documents in the history of American. Written by Thomas Jefferson, a member of the Continental Congress committee, it was approved on July 4, 1776 (Ketcham, Jayne, & Jefferson, 2015, p. 118). It announced the separation of the thirteen united States of America from British colonial rule. This article discusses the Declaration of Independence and its purpose while also highlighting on the role and purpose of government.
The Declaration of Independence is trying to show that people who are oppressed by the government have a right to retaliate or oppose the government in search of claiming or reclaiming their rights (The USA National Archives, 2018). It also shows that people, rather than the government have more power while at the same time indicating that it is the duty and role of people to overthrow such a government. In the passage, the Declaration of Independence is announcing the separation of the 13 united American states from colonial rule. The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to serve as a reason as to why the thirteen states wanted to become an independent nation.
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Thomas Jefferson claims that the proper role of government is to liberate and protect its people through just means. He adds that the government instituted among the people derives its power from the consent of the people. The purpose of government is to protect certain inalienable rights such as liberty, life and the pursuit of happiness that people are endowed with by their creator. Lastly, it is acceptable to rebel and form a new government whenever any form of government becomes abusive, violative, destructive, and does not safeguard the inalienable rights of the people (The USA National Archives, 2018). In such a situation people have a right to abolish or alter the government and establish a new, better form of government.
References
Ketcham, R., Jayne, A., & Jefferson, T. (2015). Jefferson's "Declaration of Independence": Origins, Philosophy, & Theology. Journal of the Early Republic , 19 (1), 118.
The USA National Archives. (2018, December 14). Declaration of Independence: A Transcription. Retrieved from https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
