Jefferson begins the introduction to the Declaration of Independence by stating his major premise and giving examples and then explains the relationship between the colonies and Britain. (A) The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America is a statement of independence, declared at the meeting of the Second Continental Congress at Pennsylvania State House (today Independence Hall) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776.
EXPLANATION
The declaration explained that the Thirteen Colonies fought against the British Empire. The Thirteen Colonies regarded themselves as thirteen sovereign and independent countries, no longer under British rules. Through this Declaration, they took strategic steps towards forming the United States of America.
This important task fell to Thomas Jefferson, a Virginia lawyer who at that time was at the age of 33. Jefferson in his assignment was enthused by the English Enlightenment thinker John Locke whose works on government put forward two ideas that would be very important to Jefferson:
- That all humans are born with “natural rights,” including the right to protect their lives, liberty, and property
- The government is a “social contract” amid the citizen and their leaders, which can be liquified if leaders fail to promote the people’s welfare
LEARN MORE
If you’re interested in learning more about this topic, we recommend you to also take a look at the following questions:
• Why Is the Declaration of Independence Important? brainly.com/question/1914646
KEYWORD: Jefferson, British, colonies
Subject: History
Class: 10-12
Subchapter: Declaration of Independent