The Declaration Of Independence America s Political...

The Declaration of Independence is still a profoundly relevant document for our time, in the political philosophy it espouses, as well as it’s keen view of human nature and its examination of our desire for freedom and happiness. It is also a known document that binds our nation together as one for â€Å"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.† I believe the Declaration of Independence still accurately reflects America’s political philosophy and its way of life as we see today. Because the Declaration of Independence can be seen as a product of the Enlightenment containing universal ideals that continues to resonate today. Secondly, by looking at how the timeless principles of the Declaration of Independence have come to include minorities, the poor, and women, in ways that, though not originally expressed directly, are the logical extension of it’s philosophy. Lastly, I will be talking about the Declaration’s place in the history of our nation and the manner in which it was reinvigorated as a founding document in Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. The Enlightenment was a primary influence on Thomas Jefferson and the other founding fathers. It was the culmination of a long process in Western Civilization, away from dominance of the Catholic Church, the idea of the divine right of Kings, and towards a worldview based more on science and rationality, on egalitarian principles, and the revolutionary idea that human beings have inalienable rights. â€Å"Concepts such as freedom fromShow MoreRelatedThomas Jefferson And His Influence On American History967 Words   |  4 Pageswould go on to eventually become the bases of our modern American way of life. â€Å"Jefferson is best known as the leading classical liberal in American history. As the author of the Declaration of Independence, he outlined the political principles that launched the new nation.† (James Thomas Jefferson, Life Centered Philosophy) Thomas Jeffers on was not only a founder of America; he was a great American philosopher. The philosophies which he created at this time are still in some form of practiceRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence : Uncovering Its Strategic Art1263 Words   |  6 PagesThe Declaration of Independence: Uncovering Its Strategic Art The fundamental purpose of America’s Declaration of Independence was to illustrate to foreign nations why the colonies had decided to detach and disassociate themselves from Great Britain. The Revolutionary War had already been in motion, and numerous major battles had occurred. The American colonies had already cut most major ties to England, and had established their very own currency, congress, army, and post office. On June 7, 1776Read MoreEssay about Declaration Of Independence1591 Words   |  7 Pagescolonies assembled at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Not knowing the full significance of what was about to take place that day,the delegates would do something that would forever change the course of the American people. Throughout history, only a few documents have changed the way we as a nation view politics and carry out our everyday lives. The document mentioned above was the Declaration of Independence. It changed the course of history because it granted America its freedom fromRead MoreThomas Jefferson: More than a President Essay1590 Words   |  7 Pagesunalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness† (qtd. in Allison 65). Before 1776, Colonial America was a colony of Great Britain. Then, when their mother country became too oppressive, brave revolutionaries planned a Declaration of Independence to rid themselves of their bonds. This document launched the colony into The Revolutionary War with Great Britain. Eventually, The United States of America gained independence at the hands of many brave men and womenRead MoreThe Enlightenment Ideas Of The American Revolution1423 Words   |  6 Pages Key Nov 8. 2017 The Enlightenment’s ideas in the American Revolution People in America were mad and broke. The colonies did not like the idea of paying high taxes to the King of England. In order to show their rage and anger, they did it by not paying taxes. The King of England was frustrated by the colonist s action and send an army to the Americas to sort this problem out. However, the people of America wanted to be free from England, so with the help of the Enlightenment thinkers and theRead MoreThe Beginning Of The Year1524 Words   |  7 Pageswalking around Philadelphia on a hot summer day. Women are wearing dresses with many frilly layers that stretch all the way down to their toes. Long-haired men are riding their horses down the streets. Many children are running around with giggles coming across their faces. You are from Europe and this is your first time in the city and you’re absolutely exhausted. You don’t know your way around or where you’re going at all. You’re so tired and hungry that you burst through th e doors of the closest buildingRead MoreReligious, Social, Philosophical, And Political Upheaval1394 Words   |  6 PagesReligious, social, philosophical, and political upheaval spread throughout both Europe and the Americas during over the course of the eighteenth century. In prominent Western nations such as England, France, and Spain, religious tensions persisted from power struggles between Catholicism and Protestantism throughout the 1600s. However, while governments remained entrenched in organized religion at a state level, Enlightenment ideas emphasizing human reason brought about a new epistemological ideologyRead MoreThomas Hobbes And The Social Contract Theory1088 Words   |  5 PagesUnited States Constitution established America s national government and fundamental laws and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens it was signed on September 17th 1787 by delegates to the Constitution convention in Philadelphia presided over by George Washington. Although ot her countries have changed their Constitution over years the United States Constitution has been kept the same. The Leviathan, Two Treatises, and the Declaration of Independence serve as underpinnings of the ConstitutionRead MoreEssay about Social Contract Theory1429 Words   |  6 Pages The political world is one that impacts nearly every aspect of our day-to-day lives. Whether it be through its enforcement of laws, protection of the public, or use of taxpayer-raised monies to carry out its myriad tasks, the government makes a mark on its people. The actions of the government, while frequently ridiculed or vilified, are the result of the people themselves, operating within our system of government. So while many people may disapprove of the job Congress is doing orRead MoreJohn Locke s The Second Treatise Of Civil Government977 Words   |  4 PagesMadeline Boche Dr. Thorn Philosophy 1301.040 24 March 2017 John Locke’s The Second Treatise of Civil Government In John Locke’s The Second Treatise of Civil Government, Locke discusses what the moral state of nature is and rejects the idea of a â€Å"divine right of kings.† John Locke was a product of the best schools in England and had a heavy impact on Western thought through his writings. As a Christ Church graduate, Locke largely discusses in his writings the state of nature, the concept of natural