Question

In at least one hundred and fifty words, summarize the argument Jefferson puts forth in the Declaration of Independence and the structure he uses to express his argument.

Answer 1

.For Jefferson, the critical argument that makes rebellion and dissolution absolute is that this lack of respect will not depart.  As long as this imbalance exists, the Colonists will be treated in a secondary manner, denying them their full voice and activation of their rights.  It is in this light where I think Jefferson's key arguments lie.  In the second section regarding the "Grievances" that the Colonists have borne, Jefferson outlines all that has been done.  In doing so, he solidifies his initial argument that separation from Great Britain is the only path that the Colonists can pursue.  The relationship between both nations has been so degraded by a lack of respect that there is no other option.


For Jefferson, the basic elements of the argument for separation lie in a lack of respect.  Jefferson frames the argument that the violation of economic and political rights that the Colonists have had to suffer were the result of a lack of respect.  Jefferson is emphatic in how the British government has refused to "assent" to the basic principles of dignity and decency that could enable a successful relationship and partnership to develop.  For Jefferson, the critical argument that makes rebellion and dissolution absolute is that this lack of respect will not depart.  As long as this imbalance exists, the Colonists will be treated in a secondary manner, denying them their full voice and activation of their rights.  It is in this light where I think Jefferson's key arguments lie.  In the second section regarding the "Grievances" that the Colonists have borne, Jefferson outlines all that has been done.  In doing so, he solidifies his initial argument that separation from Great Britain is the only path that the Colonists can pursue.  The relationship between both nations has been so degraded by a lack of respect that there is no other option.

Answer 2

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, is the document that exposed to the entire world that the 13 Colonies were now separate from Britain and the reasons why this separation happened.

On the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson exposed his main argument stating that all men are created equal and are born with unalienable rights (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness) and whenever a government violates these rights and abuses its power, the government fails his primary duty and separation becomes justified and necessary. Thomas Jefferson was inspired by John Locke and other thinkers, and exposed his ideas in the document, he made references to the social contract and stated that the Government's duty should be to protect their citizens and that governments are only valid when they have the consent of their people.

The structure of the Declaration of Independence is clear and organized. Jefferson's introduction explained what the document was going to be about, he stated that whenever a nation is victim of its government, people have the right to know why this separation is needed. He then talked about human rights, the role a government should have and the consequences of an abuse of power. Afterwards, Jefferson made a list of grievances the 13 colonies had suffered from Britain's Crown. Jefferson later explained the efforts that the colonists had made to be heard and the lack of response of the Crown. Finally, he concluded the solution taken, independence.