Question

Jefferson delays mentioning the American colonies until late in the introduction. how does this delay affect his argument

Answer 1

I think that in delaying in mentioning the American colonies, Jefferson reveals his reluctance/lack of confidence in them and their fight for independence.

(*I didn't really know the context(I assume Thomas Jefferson), but just from a general character/human personality perspective, I believe this applies*).

Hope this helps! :)

Answer 2

- It draws readers into the argument and establishes that ideas apply to society.

At first, Jefferson talks directly about the problem. His goal is to make everyone focus the argument in a political perspective. After people understood this part of the argument, they would be ready to connect it with the context that was yet to be presented.

- It emphasizes that the principles involved are universal, not just American. 

At some point, he mentions what he called the "self-evident truths". That only means that what he speaks of is universal in his point of view. He points out the situation without connecting to their own situation before arguing about it because, at first, he wants everyone to see how wrong the situation itself is, to later say: "That's what is happening to us".