DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

Introduction

The Declaration of Independence, commonly called the birth certificate of our nation, can be viewed as three interrelated sections. In the first section, Jefferson explained, the reason for the declaration and the philosophical principles on which it is constructed. He began by stating the underlying principles of democracy representative government, limited government, rule by law, and personal democracy. Some scholars believe the phrase pursuit of happiness was just a form of shorthand for property, while others maintain the substitution was effectuated to prevent Americans from falsely anticipating the distribution or redistribution of property ...