Declaration of Independence

Questions for Further Study

• 1. The ideas that animated the American Revolution claim to be universally applicable. “We hold these truths,” notes the Declaration of Independence, “to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” Today, in the West at least, we have expanded our definition of “all men” to include all persons. But this idea is not universally embraced. There are still governments that do not accept the “all” to include women.What reasons do governments give for not treating citizens equally? Would the Founding Fathers consider any of these reasons to be valid?
• 2. The preamble justifies rebellion with the following claim: “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.” What sorts of activities reduce a government to absolute despotism? What sorts are to be tolerated? How can one determine the difference?
• 3. The conclusion of the Declaration of Independence enumerates the rights of the United States: “as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.” What are some other rights that might have been included? Are the rights enumerated in this section of the Declaration of Independence of greater importance than others? Defend your position.