The Declaration of Independence was once a staple at Fourth of July celebrations, but today it is often overlooked beyond its second sentence. However, this document lays out the natural rights that drove the American Revolution and offers insights into what the framers believed made a government legitimate. It also raises questions about how these rights align with the concept of “the consent of the governed.”
The principles enshrined in the Declaration directly influenced the abolition of slavery in some parts of the United States, including the Northwest Territory. The document gained significance in the fight against slavery in the nineteenth century, becoming a cornerstone of moral and constitutional arguments for abolitionists.
Despite its importance, the Declaration faced challenges, such as in the infamous Dred Scott case. It was even rejected by some defenders of slavery in the South due to its conflict with the institution. However, figures like Abraham Lincoln drew upon its principles in their fight for justice.
When considering the Declaration, it’s crucial to remember that its signers risked execution as traitors to the British Crown. The document served as a legal justification for the revolutionaries’ actions and highlighted the systematic violations of their rights by the British government.
The preamble of the Declaration encapsulates the political theory that later informed the Constitution. It asserts the right of the American people to dissolve political ties with Great Britain based on the laws of nature. The famous line “We hold these truths to be self-evident” underscores the belief in individual rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Ultimately, the Declaration of Independence remains a powerful symbol of the struggle for freedom and justice, serving as a reminder of the enduring principles that shaped the American nation. The rights that are to be secured by government belong to us as individuals, and cannot be given up or alienated, unlike other rights that can be transferred or waived. The Founders wanted to emphasize that these rights, such as life, liberty, and property, are inherent and cannot be taken away by any agreement or compact. George Mason’s draft of the Virginia Declaration of Rights highlighted the idea that all individuals have certain natural rights that cannot be deprived from them, even when entering into society. This concept of inalienable rights has had a lasting impact on American history, influencing court decisions and constitutional interpretations. The ultimate purpose of government, as stated in the Declaration of Independence, is to secure these preexisting natural rights that are retained by the people. In essence, the Declaration of Independence asserts that natural rights precede government, with the latter gaining its authority from the consent of the governed. It is crucial to not overlook the importance of securing preexisting rights in favor of emphasizing popular consent, as the purpose of governance is to protect these rights. The people have the right to alter or abolish a government that violates these rights and establish a new one to ensure their safety and happiness. Revolution is justified only in the face of a persistent pattern of abuses and usurpations that aim to establish absolute despotism. The Declaration of Independence serves as a testament to the extreme circumstances that warrant such drastic action.
Form of government established—first by the Articles of Confederation, and ultimately by the Constitution—addresses others.
The Declaration of Independence expresses the assumption of natural rights with the proposition: “First comes rights, then comes government.” According to this view, individuals’ rights exist before government formation, and protecting these rights is the primary duty of government. These rights serve as a standard for measuring government performance, and their violation can justify government alteration or abolition. Some rights are deemed inalienable, meaning they are so fundamental that they cannot be transferred. These ideas were considered self-evident at the Founding but are now controversial and often seen as archaic.
The American Theory of Government, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, asserts that rights precede government. Individuals’ rights are not granted by government but exist beforehand. Protecting these rights is government’s primary duty, and some rights are inalienable, meaning they cannot be transferred. The Declaration allows for altering or abolishing a government that fails to protect these rights. The U.S. Constitution must align with these principles to be legitimate.
- Rights precede government formation
- Protecting rights is government’s primary duty
- Some rights are inalienable
- Violation of rights justifies government alteration or abolition
On July 2nd, 1776, the U.S. Congress voted for independence from Great Britain, officially adopting the American Theory of Government on July 4th, 1776, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence.
Happy Independence Day!
