The Declaration of Independence Flashcards
Why was the Declaration of Independance written?
To prove that colonists are right to defy King George III rule
To explain why the colonies wanted independence
What are natural rights?
A doctrine (by John Locke) that human beings have basic rights, such as life, liberty and property, and that people create governments to protect those rights
What is Life, Liberty, and Property?
According to Locke, in a state of nature all people seek life (people want to survive and be as safe as possible), liberty (people want to be free, make their own choices, and live as they please), and property (people want to own things that are necessary, freedom to work and gain economic benefits)
These are natural rights and are part of the law of nature (everybody has these rights just because they are human)
Made by God- Declaration of Independence says “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God” and people are “endowed by their Creator”
What are inalienable rights?
Fundamental rights that every person has that can’t be taken away by government
