Declaration Of Independence

Jefferson Essay

As Americans, we celebrate our independence on the fourth of July. We are a nation of liberty, equality, self-government, unity, and diversity. These core values had to be generated from some source. Thomas Jefferson's document, "The Declaration of Independence," brought forward a list of grievances towards the British King. Jefferson, along with others, sought reformation towards the function of government that would be the most beneficiary. "The Declaration of Independence" justified the actions of treason toward the British crown.

In Jefferson's era, each of the thirteen colonies had their own identity. Unity was weak between the colonies. "The Declaration of Independence" was conceived by a group of smart, educated men comprised from northern and southern colonies to make their actions look moral and just. These men believed that the people hold inalienable rights, a term that was adopted from the philosopher John Locke. Jefferson stated that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed" (407). These men implemented a call for change.

Jefferson uses repetition throughout "The Declaration of Independence" to acknowledge the troubles caused by the King, and to support the colonists' rebellious actions. Jefferson declares "the history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States" (408). Through reasoning, Jefferson proves why it is necessary to alter their current governed way of life. These reasons range from judiciary matters, military roles, standing armies, taxation without representation, trial