Introduction
The Declaration of Independence could be considered as the opening document in American History, especially in the sense that it announced the principles that guided the founding of the nation, which in many ways leaves a legacy that directly affects its governance. This excerpt has pertinent implications that cannot be ignored by America’s political system. These concepts include “all men are created equal” and that people are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights can be …show more content…
John Locke's Formulation of Government: The words pronounced in the Declaration are like those of the social contract theory John Locke, also thought that there should be a connection between the limited government and the protection of natural rights. Locke stated that individuals had the guarantee of life and liberty in the form of natural rights that proved to them that they could function as free individuals. This may be done by two means: first, individuals agree that they are willing to forgo their rights in the form of a social contract; second, individuals form governments to make and enforce laws for society to be well-ordered and peaceful. Natural Rights and State of Nature: The notion of natural rights, closely mirroring the concept of human dignity and value, contradicts the imagined scenario that is empty of an authoritarian entity and is called the state of nature. With no government around, people will have the liberty to do whatever they like best. On the flip side, however, they might feel insecure, and life can be quite hard since there is no government to bring people together and protect …show more content…
While this is the major point of the Declaration, the Government of America relies on a system of democracy with representation to meet the interests of all and make effective governing possible. In the second paragraph, why was the American Revolution a major step towards democracy in history? In a chosen republic, i.e., elective democracy, a representative acts on behalf of the people. They enact laws and carry out other decisions on their part. This consistency of the views system of representation which reflects popular sovereignty in the practical commitments of governing the country, with the realities of the governance, ensures the viewpoint of the public while maintaining stability and order. Additionally, the proportionality of majority rule backed by minority rights shows the accountability of respecting the welfare of each citizen, even those of the smaller share of the electorate. Even the establishment of the rule of the masses—a situation wherein the majority ignores the rights of the minority groups eased by the constitutional safeguards and individual freedom of