The U.S. Declaration of Independence

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Thomas Jefferson chose each word of the U.S. Declaration of Independence with care and committees revised it with prudence, giving the nation with a very carefully planned, meticulously executed statement, which is extremely effective in its brevity, clarity and logical progression. The author points out that the very first word, "when", implies that the statement to follow is inevitable; the framers of this declaration could have used the word "if" but this (1) would diminish the drive of the sentence by making the later "dissolving" of political bands uncertain and (2) would make the action of declaring independence an option rather than a duty. The paper relates that the second paragraph showcases the simple logical progression of Thomas Jefferson's brilliance and serves as the moral and philosophical grounds for separation and for the colonists duty to throw off an oppressive government. Several quotations.

From the Paper:

""To assume" has a double meaning in its usage in the above paragraph. To assume can mean to presuppose something (here it is the separate and equal station that the colonies felt that they had a right to enjoy). Also, the word assume means to take responsibility upon one's self. It is a statement directed toward the colonies' rights to enjoy a separate and equal status, and their willingness, even eagerness to take on whatever responsibility that may entail. If the Declaration of Independence is to be viewed from the vantage that it was written, then it would be appropriate to assume that the Nature's God referred to in this passage is, in fact, the deist God. The very fact that the word Nature comes before Nature's God suggests the subordinate role of God in the everyday world."

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