Question

What argument does Thomas Jefferson make in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 1

Thomas Jefferson states that the natural rights of the people (of life, freedom, and to pursue happiness) can not be restricted in any way by any government, being inalienable rights on which the very existence of the Nation is based. Thus, if a government exceeds the regulation of these rights, it will be a right of the citizens to depose it and appoint a new government, since these come from citizenship and exercise the powers that it derives from the people.

Answer 2

He is saying that each person has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of a happy life, and that the government and rule of law should be determined by the people it governs.