The Declaration of Independence 1) Who was the intended audience of the Declaration of Independence? 2) What, according to Thomas Jefferson, is the purpose of government? 3) From what or whom does a government derive its power? 4) While he doesn’t refer to this directly, Jefferson and the other colonial leaders were very much aware of a concept, popular at the time, that the King ruled by “divine right.” What was meant by this idea, also called ‘the divine right of Kings”? 5) Why is the Declaration of Independence important, not only to us as Americans but to the world as a whole? 6) Finally, it should be noted that Jefferson and many of the other signers of the Declaration were slave owners. Were they being hypocrites when they said “All men are created equal”
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
- Intended Audience of the Declaration of Independence:
The intended audience of the Declaration of Independence was multifaceted. Primarily, it was directed at the British monarchy and Parliament to justify the American colonies’ decision to break free from British rule. It also addressed the global community, particularly European powers, to gain support for the American cause. Lastly, it was intended for the colonists themselves to rally them for independence and create a united front. - Purpose of Government:
According to Thomas Jefferson, the primary purpose of government is to protect the natural rights of individuals, particularly life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson emphasized that governments are established to safeguard these rights, and when a government becomes destructive or oppressive, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. - Source of Government Power:
A government derives its power from the consent of the governed. This idea, which Jefferson emphasized in the Declaration, meant that authority is not granted by a higher divine or royal power but rather by the people themselves. If the government fails to protect their rights, the people have the right to replace it. - Divine Right of Kings:
The concept of the “divine right of kings” was a political and religious doctrine asserting that monarchs derive their authority directly from God, not from the people. Under this view, kings were considered to be answerable only to God, making any rebellion against the king a sin. This idea was central to the British monarchy’s claim over the American colonies, which Jefferson and others rejected in favor of government based on popular sovereignty. - Importance of the Declaration of Independence:
The Declaration of Independence is vital not only to Americans but to the world because it set forth the universal ideals of liberty, equality, and self-government. It was a foundational document in the development of democratic governments and inspired movements for freedom and independence globally. It also established the United States as a beacon for those seeking self-determination. - Hypocrisy of “All Men Are Created Equal”:
Jefferson and many of the other signers of the Declaration were indeed slave owners, which complicates their assertion that “all men are created equal.” This contradiction has been a point of significant historical debate. While it is clear that Jefferson and others acknowledged the inherent equality of all men, their actions were at odds with their ideals. This hypocrisy highlights the complexity of the time and the challenge of reconciling Enlightenment ideals with entrenched societal practices like slavery. Some argue that Jefferson and others were writing aspirationally, but the failure to extend these rights to enslaved individuals reflects the deeply ingrained social and economic systems of the time.
