Abstract
This paper will explain the basic ideas contained in the Declaration of Independence, the impact of the declaration upon the American War of Independence and the reasons for the appeal of the Declaration as a "radical document". These themes will be discussed and analyzed to better understand the premise of the Declaration of Independence and to see why and how it worked within the times it was written in.

Abstract
This paper examines the first few paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence and offers an understanding of why the document was written. This is followed by a discussion of the rationale behind the document and its intended purposes. The conclusion is that the Declaration of Independence established the basis for American democracy as a unique democratic movement in its own right.

From the Paper
"This document discusses the Declaration of Independence. The examination begins with the first few paragraphs and an understanding of why the document was written. This is followed by a discussion of the rationale behind the document and its intended purposes. The conclusion is that the Declaration of Independence established the basis for American democracy as a unique democratic movement in its own right."

Tags:declaration, of, independence

Abstract
The paper relates that "Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas" was written by the highly-acclaimed historian and scholar Carl L. Becker and was first published in 1922. The paper further relates that since its first appearance over eighty years ago, it has come to be considered a classic study of the Declaration of Independence and has been published in many editions, most recently by Peter Smith Publishing, Inc. in 1991.

From the Paper
""Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas" was written by the highly-acclaimed historian and scholar Carl L. Becker and was first published in 1922. Since its first appearance over eighty years ago it has come to be considered a classic study of the Declaration of Independence and has been published in many editions, most recently by Peter Smith Publishing, Inc. in 1991. Unlike many books about the Declaration of Independence which focus..."

Tags:declaration, of, independence

Abstract
This paper looks at the great hypocrisy of the Declaration of Independence; the phrase that "all men are created equal" written by Thomas Jefferson while he held 175 slaves. The paper explains that slaves had no equality. were only counted as 3/5th of a person and they were denied "liberty and the pursuit of happiness" as guaranteed by the Declaration.

From the Paper
"The great hypocrisy within the Declaration of Independence is in the beginning of the second part which explains the fundamental rights of citizens under the government. "We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." No one truly believed that all men are created equal. Jefferson, the principle author of the Declaration, himself owned slaves at the..."

Tags:Declaration of Independence, slaves, Jefferson equality

Abstract
This is a report on Don Nardo's book "The Declaration of Independence: A Model for Individual Rights". The book presents the Declaration in both a historical and philosophical light, pointing out in various revisions of the Declaration, what elements have survived into present-day American moral beliefs, and which have been abandoned or altered. The paper also discusses the taxation and military occupation that instigated the American Revolution.

Tags:independence, declaration, independence

Abstract
This paper explains how the US Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution had different purposes and reasons for their respective creation. The paper discusses how the Declaration of Independence was more ideological and philosophical than the Constitution while the Constitution is detailed and lacks any kind of emotion or propagandistic qualities. The writer relates that he favors the Constitution's ideology over that of the Declaration of Independence, since the Declaration is fundamentally unsuitable for a government foundation while the Constitution is arguably one of the most successful, if not the most successful, political doctrine.

From the Paper
"When analyzing the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, it is clear that there is a difference in ideology between the two. The two documents had different purposes and reasons for their respective creation. The Declaration of Independence is a protest against the tyranny of the British monarchy and a basis for revolution. The Constitution, however, does not allow for revolution and creates a liberal government for the purpose of stability. The Declaration was created in response to events that had oppressed the colonists and inspired them to overthrow their aggressors (Jayne)."

Tags:Articles, of, Confederation, Bill, of, Rights, federalists, doctrine

Abstract
In this paper, the writer discusses that John Locke was a major influence on the Declaration of Independence through the writings of Thomas Jefferson and the Committee of Five. By analyzing the textual facts from Locke's "The Second Treatise of Civil Government" the writer notes that there is a great resemblance of language and ideology in the two texts. The writer maintains that this is strong historical proof that Locke was not merely a secondary influence on the document along with other European thinkers, but that he was a main philosophical component to the birth of the American republican ideology of "natural rights' for all of those being governed.

Tags:Locke, Jefferson, declaration

Abstract
The paper gives an in-depth exploration of the issues behind the creation of the Declaration of Independence. According to the paper, Thomas Jefferson pondered the issues that had plagued the colonists and that had led the colony leaders to a point in which they realized that separation from the crown was the only solution to their concerns. In particular, Jefferson noted the fact that there needed to be honor in the relationship between governing bodies and people, which was non-existent for the colonists at this point in history.

From the Paper
"When the Declaration of Independence was created, Thomas Jefferson pondered the issues that had plagued the colonists and that had led the colony leaders to a point in which they realized that separation from the crown was the only solution to their concerns. Jefferson first noted the fact that there needed to be honor in the relationship between governing bodies and people, which was non-existent for the colonists at this point in history. Jefferson also listed the issues that had been building, which the King magnified through his actions. In his concluding statements..."

Tags:jefferson, declaration, independence

Abstract
The paper analyzes the importance of John Locke's philosophy on the American Declaration of Independence of 1776. The paper examines various segments of Locke's "The Second Treatise of Civil Government" and shows how the textual language within the Declaration of Independence reflects his philosophy. The paper discusses the historical proof that Locke was not merely a secondary influence on the document but that he was a main philosophical component of the birth of the American republican ideology.

From the Paper
"The first philosophical basis of the Declaration of Independence was found upon Enlightenment philosophers, such as John Locke. In many ways, the development for a new phase of human freedom was being known through such terms as "natural rights", which were based on new perspectives about Nature and the way that human beings interrelated within a government prospectus. Although some may argue that Locke played a minor part in the many influences on the document, it is apparent that his philosophy is paramount to the anti-monarchical disposition of the Continental Congress. The dictates of new governing principle relied on the importance of human liberty for all, not simply the few that controlled government."

Tags:The, Second, Treatise, of, Civil, Government, philosophy, republican, values, liberty

Abstract
The paper shows how the Declaration of Independence enshrines the philosophy of Locke on freedom, equality, justice and democracy. The paper tackles the charge of hypocrisy in the light of the past of slavery and segregation and shows how the democratic thrust of the nation was directed at overcoming these obstacles. The paper then expands on the achievements of great Americans - statesmen, philosophers and writers - in fostering the culture of democracy. Finally, the paper addresses the charge of economic hegemony, explains the recent curtailment of rights in the light in the light of "war on terrorism", and advocates a preservation of the fundamental ideals of the nation.

From the Paper
"The deed itself tells us that it is a self-evident truth. However, the general opinion is that the original inspiration comes from the political philosophy of the English philosopher John Locke (Calverton 2005, p. 291). In his philosophy he considers what the natural state of man is, and starts from the premise that this natural state is defined by free will. He then takes into consideration the fact that to have free will implies recognizing that others too have free will, and this recognition entails equality. The conclusion is that man in his natural state is defined by two fundamental qualities - freedom and equality. On the other hand, the goal of freedom is made out to be the realization of justice. When the requirements of freedom, equality and justice are all taken into account then, according to Locke's theory, each human being is endowed with inalienable rights. This final fact is included in the declaration, and performs a pivotal function in the document."

Tags:Bill, of, Rights, First, Amendment, founding, fathers, Locke, freedom, equality, justice, democracy