Question

Why did jefferson list the violations in reverse order putting the pursuit of happiness first?

Answer 1

When Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, he used a rhetorical writing style that was the standard during the 18th century. The goal was to build towards a climax. By stating life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as unalienable rights that should be enjoyed by all men he set the tone for the rest of the document. The succeeding list described how the British violated these rights in an order where the worst violations were placed last.