...The Declaration of Independence was ratified on July 4, 1776; it effectively formed the United States of America. 56 delegates signed The Declaration of Independence to the Continental Congress and outlined the reasons for becoming independent from Great Britain. This document is not formally divided, but it is divided into five unofficial sections, from the introduction to the conclusion. The Declaration of Independence begins with what is referred to as the Introduction. Although it’s just one, exceptionally long, sentence with a simple meaning, there are loads of information we can pull from it. The introduction simply states why the document is being written. The Founders thought they should tell their government why they felt the need to leave. Looking into the details, we see very elegant writing. From this, you can see that the Founders were well educated. The Founders also included in their introduction their strong belief in religious freedom. This document is written out of respect for the government that persecuted the writers. The end states “decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” The next part of The Declaration of Independence is called the Preamble. The Preamble includes the reasons behind the Declaration, many of them being from John Locke, a famous philosopher. These ideas are not only directed towards the United States, they are directed towards every nation. The Preamble is...
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...powerful irresistible way. Two historical and compelling passages can be found in part two of The Declaration of Independence, credited to Thomas Jefferson and The Preamble to the Constitution written by another of our founding fathers Gouverneur Morris. Modern audiences of 2018 would be compelled to read The Declaration of Independence is because of its importance in American history. The Declaration of Independence has a historical significance, it is not just any document, it is a moment in time where the people could not stay quiet for a moment longer. Our founding fathers risked their lives and the lives of their families to write this document that would ensure the people's freedom. For example, the most famous quote that modern audiences can recall to this day is “ We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights.” This is what the audience found most compelling about this document, even though it...
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...Paper 1 The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 and announced the separation of the thirteen American colonies from British control. Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft, and after several edits, it became the final document. Jefferson employed several key concepts and phrases in the introduction and preamble. The introduction paragraph sets up what the rest of the document is about. Jefferson states that when it is time for a people to separate from a country, it is necessary for them to “declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” This indicates that the rest of the Declaration will outline and highlight the reasons why the American colonists decided to sever ties with Great Britain. The first half of the preamble–the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence–says that humans have certain rights, and the purpose of a government is to protect these rights. The first key phrase declares, “. . . all men are created equal.” This, however, is contradictory considering the existence of slavery in the colonies and the fact that the author, Thomas Jefferson, owned hundreds of slaves himself. Some argue that those who signed the Declaration thought of “the people” as male property owners, which would not include women or slaves as being equal. However, in the original draft, Jefferson did condemn King George for allowing the slave trade to flourish, but Congress voted against this because they did not want the...
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...A Declaration of Sentiments, and the Texas Declaration of Independence Comparative analysis - American Declaration of Independence 1) So apt and eloquent was Thomas Jefferson’s expressive writing in the Declaration of Independence that many others have come to use his document as a template for iterating declaratory appeals of their own. In the case of The Declaration of Sentiments, Elizabeth Cady Stanton is seen to use Jefferson’s declaration as both inspiration, and archetype for her own declaration in opposition of the “repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman.” Stanton surely made use of the recognition, and authority which the Declaration of Independence held, during the creation of her preamble. Stanton continued in her writing to include a list of grievances which, while similar in wording and structure to Jefferson’s grievances, expressed a much different intent. The two documents differ here, as the original Declaration of Independence demonstrates how the freedom and integrity of men was denied by the transgressions of their king, while the Declaration of Sentiments demonstrates how the freedom and integrity of women, is denied by men. To better create a sense of sympathy for the plight of woman-kind, and to bridge empathy between women and the rest of the American public, Elizabeth Cady Stanton carefully emulated the wording and style of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident...
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...Two very important documents were created by our founding fathers, but which is more compelling? The Preamble to the constitution, in summary, explains to us the law of the land, the Declaration of Independence, however, declares the separation of the colonies from British rule. I find the Declaration of Independence more compelling because it was the beginning of the United States government and its people. Provoked by all the harsh treatment from the British king, our founding fathers learned from the tyranny of British rule and decided to create their own government using the Declaration of Independence as their first step to freedom. To which the philosophy and ideas of our nation’s government is prescribed; the Declaration of independence states one of their ideas by saying, “That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.”...
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...The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of American history. It is one of the most important documents in american history. In 1776 is when the Declaration of Independence took place. Another important part in history is the Martin Luther king, jr.’ “ I have a dream.” speech. That speech is one of the reasons why blacks and whites can live together in harmony today. This speech happened on August 28, 1963. On august 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, jr gave one of the most important speeches in history. The “ I Have a Dream,” was one of the reasons that there is no slavery today. MLK wanted blacks and whites to live together. The I Have a dream speech is related to the Declaration of Independence because both events wanted america...
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...Madilyn McKay Argumentative Essay 4 Nov. 2016 What makes something compelling? The feeling we get from reading it? Or is it the undeniable factual information we gain from the material? Either of these examples can be found littered among the Declaration of Independence. A majority of people can argue how inspirational, motivational the Declaration can be to readers. Anyone who denies this in America fears a patriotic riot chasing them southbound. But what about the Preamble? The little sister to the Declaration. There is no refusing the Declaration of Independence is far more compelling than the Preamble. “All men are created equal,” (prg. 3) An excerpt from the Declaration itself. These are some of the most famous words in the history of this country. These words have influenced our country's entire culture. America simply could not be the same without this document inspiring us to take the next step in human...
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...You? The Declaration of Independence is the most important piece of all American historical documents. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness might ring a bell, but for others it’s a whole different story. “Freedom is Intended as a Challenge” by Naomi Wolf mentions in her reading about Thomas Jefferson who was one of the writers of “The Declaration of Independence” had two main ideas which were individually and happiness, the pursuit of happiness. As Wolf researches she comes up with the idea that Jefferson had the idea that we would live a life that was guaranteed, Wolf explains “liberation is not about a historical moment that had happened in the past it is more of a destination of the mind” (636). Life is not all about being born in America and being free, people around us must continue their happiness, and find their own meaning of liberty. Wolf is a piece that takes a deeper look into the current perception of how the Declaration of Independence. Wolf believes us present day Americans have a right sense of what really happened in the late 1700’s. Wolf explains how many American’s now just look at the Declaration of Independence as just a piece of paper, and not taken as serious as it should be. The Declaration of Independence is supposed to be looked at on how free America is, as the Declaration of Independence states, “We hold truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among...
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...Revolutionary Ideas The Declaration of Independence The point of the declaration of independence is to explain why colonists wanted to separate themselves from Great Britain. The first part was the preamble, which describes the context for declaration. The second part declares self-evident truths. The third part lists the grievances against King George of England. The fourth part states that they have spoken, but their words were ignored. The fifth part of the Declaration of Independence summarized that the colonies should be free and independent states. Popular Sovereignty The first principle underlies almost the entire Declaration of Independence. Begins with “We the people,” then proceeds to say the reason why they are declaring independence. Social Contract The idea of the social contract is that men are born free, but he voluntarily gives up some of that freedom to create a government in order to bring about social stability and structure. Natural and Individual Rights Natural rights are those not contingent upon the laws, customs, or beliefs of any particular culture or government and there for inalienable. The declaration of Independence asserted that rights of Men come from God and were natural and inalienable. All other rights are subject to suppression by man. Rights of men are natural and are given by “The Creator” and cannot be taken away by the government. My Thoughts I believe that the declaration of Independence upholds the political principles...
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...How is it that declaration of independence, bill of rights, and the preamble all play a part of the idea of the American dream and how are able to appreciate? The American dream is having the chance to receive opportunities and achieve the goals that you want to obtain. It’s having freedom and being able to express your thoughts and feelings without having fear of suffering any consequences. Also, its being able to be treated the same no matter what color skin, gender, race, or religion that you have. The declaration of independence was created by all the hopes and dreams of colonists in 1776. It stated how all men are created equal. It was a representation of liberty. It demonstrated the goals of the nation. They used it as a way to express...
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...Comparing and Contrasting the Declaration of Independence vs. Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen World of History after 1500 July 5, 2015 Comparing and Contrasting the Declaration of Independence vs. Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen Throughout the course of the week we were asked to compare and contrast the two given documents titled, The Declaration of Independence & Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen. Before we begin to discuss the difference and similarities, we must first understand what each Declaration stands for. The Declaration of Independence is defined as, “The formal statement written by Thomas Jefferson declaring the freedom of the thirteen American colonies from Great Britain.” (LoveToKnow, 2015). The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen is defined as, “One of the basic charters of human liberties, containing the principles that inspired the French Revolution. Its 17 articles, adopted between August 20 and August 26, 1789, by France’s National Assembly, served as the preamble to the Constitution of 1791.” (Britannica Inc., 2015). Now that we have a better understanding of both Declarations, we can begin to compare and contrast. After reading both Declarations I found various differences and similarities. These Declarations were both pushing the rights of freedom & equality within almost the same decade of the 1700’s. This is supported strongly through the Declaration of Independence; stating that the people...
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...Money on the credit of the United States”, is one of the delegated powers. The delegated powers are also in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments, which are in the Bill of Rights. The Ninth Amendment says that nothing in the Constitution can be used to negate amendments. The Tenth Amendment basically says that any power not given to the federal government...
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...created the Declaration of Independence in 1776 with a clear view of how they anticipated the country to function in the future. Not only was the Declaration of Independence created, but in 1787 the Constitution was signed declaring the fundamental laws of the national government as well as the basic rights for citizens of the country. Nonetheless, these formal statements regarding the colonies’ intentions would not eventuate later on in the future. In its place, America would encounter a time period facing injustices and racial inequality. The 1800s was a time when African Americans were deprived of...
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... Most of this was do to the historical events and writings going on at that time. I will explain how “Common Sense”, Preamble of the Declaration of Independence, State constitutions, The Articles of Confederation, and The Annapolis Convention affected the Constitution. The early philosophy of the American Constitution was to preserve and maintain the power of the individual states. They wanted to keep the possibility of a main power or tyranny very low. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” is what sparked the idea for a constitution and independence. It contained that there should be an elected President and national Congress,...
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...The Declaration of Independence Reading Response #1 Candie Cueva The Declaration of Independence was created when Americans wanted to "disband the political bands" that tied them to the British Crown. They felt as if they had endured oppression and many wrongdoings by the king, and so, they outlined their new government in this document. Some of the events leading up to this revolution were the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party. These acts caused the citizens' to believe their "inalienable rights" had been disrespected. Therefore, the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and a committee of four others including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston in order to take back these rights. The actual content of the document consists of five parts, but the most well-known is the preamble. The document became official on July 2nd, when the creators signed it at the convention along with 51 other representatives....
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