Omar Bennett
The United States Declaration of Independence of 1776 contains the famous phrase We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This statement, which draws from Enlightenment philosophy and the works of John Locke, asserts the inherent equality and individual liberty of all people. The concept of self-evident truth suggests that some truths are fundamentally obvious and do not require complex reasoning or proof, relying instead on basic evidence and common sense. This idea has had a significant influence on democratic constitutions and human rights instruments worldwide, shaping the understanding of equality and natural rights.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Self-evident truth | All men are created equal |
| Natural or unalienable rights | Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness |
| The Law of Nature | The universal moral law of mankind |
| The Creator God | The basis of authority, law, and the rights of man |
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What You'll Learn
- The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal
- Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed
- The right of the people to alter or abolish a destructive government
- The Senate of the United States is composed of two Senators from each state
- The Vice President of the United States is the President of the Senate
The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal
The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress, contains the famous line: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal". This powerful statement, penned by Thomas Jefferson, has become a cornerstone of American democracy and a rallying cry for freedom and equality worldwide.
The phrase "all men are created equal" is part of a larger preamble that asserts the inherent rights of individuals and the purpose of government in securing these rights. It reads: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The inclusion of "self-evident" in the Declaration of Independence is significant as it conveys a sense of inherent truth that transcends cultural, religious, and philosophical differences.
The concept of self-evident truth is not unique to the Declaration of Independence. It has been explored by influential thinkers throughout history, including the Italian theologian Thomas Aquinas, who, in his Summa Theologica (1265-1274), acknowledged that certain truths are "naturally implanted" in humans and are therefore self-evident. These truths, according to Aquinas, include the existence of God and God's universal moral law, or the Law of Nature.
In the context of the Declaration, "self-evident" implies that the equality of all men is an inherent and undeniable truth. This statement was not originally intended to signify individual equality but rather the right of the American colonists to self-government and statehood. It asserted that the colonists, as a people, possessed the same rights as other nations, thereby justifying their declaration of independence and the establishment of new governments within each state.
Over time, however, the interpretation of "all men are created equal" evolved. After the American Revolution, people began to view this phrase as a promise of individual equality. This shift in perspective expanded the scope of the Declaration's message, transforming it into a powerful statement of human rights and a foundation for challenging tyranny and oppression, as Abraham Lincoln described it.
The Declaration of Independence is not legally binding, but it has profoundly influenced the principles upon which the American government and identity are based. It continues to inspire people worldwide in their pursuit of freedom, equality, and self-governance.
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Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed
The idea that "governments derive their power from the consent of the governed" is a fundamental principle in political philosophy, and it is closely tied to the concept of self-evident truths in the US Declaration of Independence. This idea asserts that a government's legitimacy and moral right to wield power are dependent on the consent of the people or society over whom that power is exercised. This theory of consent stands in stark contrast to the divine right of kings, which posits that rulers derive their authority from a higher power rather than from the people.
The notion that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed is deeply rooted in the history of political thought. As early as the 5th century, the Christian author Tertullian wrote, "It is not enough that a law is just, nor that the judge should be convinced of its justice; those from whom obedience is expected should have that conviction too." This early recognition of the importance of consent laid the groundwork for subsequent developments in political philosophy.
In his book "A History of Political Theory," George Sabine explores the views of various political theorists on the concept of consent. He highlights the work of Nicholas of Cusa, who in 1433 discussed the idea of consent in "De Concordantia Catholica." Sabine also paraphrases an influential Huguenot tract published in 1579, "Vindiciae contra tyrannos", which asserts that the people lay down the conditions for their ruler, and their obedience is conditional upon receiving just and lawful governance in return. This publication reflects the belief that the power of rulers is delegated by the people and can be revoked if the ruler fails to uphold their end of the social contract.
The founders of the United States, influenced by thinkers such as John Locke, embraced the concept of consent in shaping their political system. The Declaration of Independence, particularly in its second paragraph, proclaims that governments are instituted among men to secure their unalienable rights, and the just powers of these governments are derived from the consent of the governed. This statement recognizes the inherent equality of citizens and their right to alter or abolish governments that fail to protect their rights.
The principle of "governments deriving their power from the consent of the governed" has significant implications for governance and democracy. It underscores the importance of elections and representative democracy, where the people have a voice in choosing their leaders and holding them accountable. It also highlights the legitimacy of governments that are responsive to the needs and will of the people, ensuring that their power is exercised with the consent and for the benefit of those they govern.
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The right of the people to alter or abolish a destructive government
The Declaration of Independence of 1776 conveys the principle of self-evident truth, stating that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This principle contributed to the American understanding of a Creator God, the Law of Nature, and the equality and natural rights of mankind.
The Declaration of Independence also asserts the right of the people to alter or abolish a destructive government, stating that "whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government." This right is derived from the natural right to self-governance, a relatively new concept at the time, as the world was largely ruled by royalty or warrior chieftains.
The power to "institute a new government" conveys the ability to "alter or abolish" the existing government. This principle was used to justify the replacement of the Articles of Confederation with the Constitution in 1787. Since then, there has been no need to abolish the government, as it has been continuously altered through amendments, laws, and political movements.
The right to alter or abolish a destructive government is not limited to the federal level, as evidenced by state constitutions such as Kentucky, North Carolina, and Texas, which guarantee the people's right to alter, reform, or abolish their government. This right is based on the belief that all power is inherent in the people, and governments are instituted to protect the people's rights and ensure their peace, safety, and happiness.
The belief in the right to "alter or abolish" a government has been stated throughout history and used to justify various revolutions, including the American Revolution, French Revolution, and the Iranian Revolution. It is a fundamental principle in the concept of self-governance and the protection of natural rights.
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The Senate of the United States is composed of two Senators from each state
The United States Constitution, in Article I, Section 3, Clause 1, establishes that the Senate shall be composed of two Senators from each state, ensuring equal representation for all states. This arrangement, known as the Connecticut Compromise or the Great Compromise, was a contentious issue during the drafting of the Constitution, with small states adamant about retaining their equal power with larger states.
The Connecticut Compromise, agreed upon in 1787, provided that each state, regardless of its population, would have two senators. This compromise resolved the debate over Senate representation and ensured that all states had an equal voice in the Senate. The idea of a bicameral legislature, with a proportional "people's house," was widely accepted, but the specifics of Senate representation sparked intense discussions.
The Virginia Plan, introduced by James Madison, proposed a bicameral national legislature with representation in both houses proportional to the size of each state. However, delegates from small states objected to this proposal, leading to the compromise that ultimately shaped the Senate's composition. The Senate's role in ratifying treaties further underscores the importance of each state having an equal vote, as it ensures that all states have a say in important decisions.
The Constitution stipulates that senators are elected for six-year terms, providing stability and continuity to Congress. Originally, senators were chosen by state legislatures, but the 17th Amendment, ratified in 1913, standardised popular elections for senators. This amendment also addresses the process of filling vacancies in the Senate, ensuring that each state maintains its full representation.
The Declaration of Independence, upon which the US Constitution is based, asserts the self-evident truth that "all men are created equal" and endowed with certain unalienable rights, including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This foundational principle underpins the creation of a government that derives its power from the consent of the governed and is designed to secure these inherent rights.
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The Vice President of the United States is the President of the Senate
The United States Constitution, in addition to establishing a set of fundamental rights and freedoms, outlines the structure and functions of the country's government. One such function outlined in the Constitution is the role of the Vice President as the President of the Senate.
The Vice President of the United States is the second-highest-ranking member of the executive branch and first in the presidential line of succession. They are indirectly elected by the people through the Electoral College, alongside the President. While the Vice President's role has evolved to include more executive responsibilities, they also hold a position in the legislative branch as the President of the Senate.
As President of the Senate, the Vice President is empowered to preside over the Senate's proceedings. This includes overseeing impeachment trials of federal officers, although the Constitution does not mandate this. Notably, the Vice President cannot vote in the Senate except to break a tie. The Constitution also allows for a president pro tempore to preside over the Senate in the Vice President's absence.
Historically, the role of the Vice President as President of the Senate has been exercised infrequently. Since the early 20th century, the Vice President has not regularly presided over the Senate, and the responsibility is often delegated to other Senate members. Despite this, the Vice President's role as President of the Senate remains a key aspect of the constitutional framework, underscoring the importance of maintaining a proper legislative process.
The self-evident truth mentioned in the Declaration of Independence of 1776 states, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This principle has been influential in shaping American thought and governance, emphasizing the inherent equality and natural rights of all individuals.
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Frequently asked questions
A self-evident truth is an idea that does not require complex reasoning to prove. It is known by basic evidence and common sense.
The self-evident truth in the US Constitution is the idea that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
This statement is considered self-evident because it reflects the Enlightenment philosophy of the time, drawing influence from John Locke's belief in inherent equality and individual liberty. It has been criticized and defended by various figures throughout American history.
