The Declaration and Founding

Question 1

Did Jefferson think the ideas in the Declaration were new?

Answer 1

Jefferson credited Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, and Sidney with the ideas expressed in the Declaration.

Question 2

“Did the Founders mean All Men?” (Anderson)

Answer 2

Yes in light of our species and the unfounded philosophy of divine right of kings

Question 3

In what sense are we all equal? (Anderson)

Answer 3

Our species

Question 4

What is a self-evident truth?

Answer 4

A truth that is simply understood and known.

Question 5

What did Jefferson mean by a Natural Aristocracy?

Answer 5

Instead of an aristocracy built on birth and wealth, Jefferson envisioned an aristocracy of virtue and talent.

Question 6

What is the foundational premise of the Declaration?

Answer 6

As humans, our natures reflect an awareness of reason and moral judgment, thus we are rational moral agents.
(“We hold these truths to be self evident”)

Question 7

How did Becker view the role of the Declaration of Independence in American Life?

Answer 7

He believes it to be meaningless and irrelevant in modern-day, relative America.

Question 8

How did Jaffa view the role of the Declaration of Independence in American Life?

Answer 8

Jaffa countered Becker’s concept of relativity. If the decleration’s policies have no real validity, then the polices of Hitler and Stalin are equally as valid.

Question 9

What does George say about the Founders’ argument about the need for virtue and morality in society?

Answer 9

The maintenance of freedom requires virtue. The foundation of the system of checks and balances was based in religious morality.

Question 10

What is the relationship between religion and morality?

Answer 10

If morality was not founded on religion, it would be defenseless.