Declaration of Independence Ideology Analysis

Introduction

The Declaration of Independence is regarded as one of the most important documents in American history. The declaration is so important because it provides a foundation of ideas and principles upon which our country is built, starting with the notion that “all men are created equal” (Jefferson, 1776). Our forefathers continued to elaborate on this, writing about a variety of new concepts regarding life and liberty, reflected in their vision for our country. However, they did not simply conjure these philosophies and ideas out of thin air. What is less known is that our forefathers' ideas emerged from the Age of Enlightenment, influenced by various European philosophers and thinkers. Three of the most influential ideas that arose from the European Enlightenment are Natural Rights, Popular Sovereignty, and the Social Contract. These three ideas serve as the foundation of the Declaration of Independence and our country as it is today.

Natural Rights

One can point to the most famous passages in the Declaration of Independence and find the idea of Natural Rights. John Locke used the term to describe the rights all people naturally possess (Locke, 1689). In the declaration, the founders refer to these rights by stating that “all men are created equal; they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights” (Jefferson, 1776). We see rights listed as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” In this context, the rights they are referring to are “endowed by their creator,” meaning they are natural, and “unalienable,” meaning they cannot be violated. Throughout the declaration, the forefathers later justify their separation from England in various ways. One of their justifications is that the king directly violated and took away those Natural Rights, among many others. Our forefathers would no longer tolerate this tyranny. This violation of Natural Rights was not just a political issue but a moral one, emphasizing the Enlightenment belief in the inherent dignity and worth of each individual.

Popular Sovereignty

Very notable grievances the forefathers had were over the lack of Popular Sovereignty. Popular Sovereignty is the idea that the authority and integrity of the government come from the consent of the governed (Rousseau, 1762). The fathers claimed, “He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish their right to representation” (Jefferson, 1776). This is one of many grievances in the declaration listed in regards to Popular Sovereignty. One of the most powerful phrases in the declaration states that “…governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” (Jefferson, 1776). The consent of the governed is Popular Sovereignty, where people control their government and the way it operates. This shows us how the Colonists had a vision of the democracy they wanted to shape our country into. The emphasis on Popular Sovereignty laid the groundwork for a government that is accountable to its citizens, a radical departure from the monarchical rule of the time.

Social Contract

This brings us to the idea of the Social Contract. The Social Contract theory posits that there is a contract between the government and its people, and that “whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it” (Rousseau, 1762). The Colonists firmly believed that not only did the people possess Popular Sovereignty, but they also believed that the government and the people needed to be bound together. The people would control the government in exchange for the government’s just control over the people. There needs to be consent on both sides. There was no social contract under the tyranny of King George. The colonists wanted a democracy, where a king could not just repeatedly inflict a “long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evincing a design to reduce them under absolute despotism” (Jefferson, 1776). This concept of the Social Contract was a revolutionary idea, suggesting that government should serve the people, not the other way around.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence clearly reflects the most influential ideas of the European Enlightenment. The declaration encompasses numerous ideas, philosophies, grievances, and statements that clearly echo the new ways of thinking that emerged from the European Enlightenment. It is fascinating to see just how pivotal a simple idea or philosophy can be. The declaration should serve as a lesson to all of us on how much we can gain from new ways of thinking. The declaration should also be a reminder not to disregard or push aside the foundational principles our forefathers provided us. It is true that we will, of course, continue to improve and perfect our government and country over time. However, we must not stray too far from our foundational ideas and roots that serve as the very basis of our freedoms and protect us from potential tyranny. These Enlightenment ideals continue to shape not only American democracy but democratic societies around the world, reminding us of the enduring power of these foundational concepts.

References

• Jefferson, T. (1776). The Declaration of Independence.
• Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government.
• Rousseau, J. J. (1762). The Social Contract.