The U.S. Declaration of Independence

Amanda Czaplicki

His 110-07 "Prof. Amerman"

Fall 2005

The U.S. Declaration of Independence

No document in American history can compare to the place that the Declaration of Independence holds within the minds and hearts of the American citizens. It is within the context of this document that the nations founding principles are built. The Declaration of Independence today holds a different meaning for Americans than it did when it was written in 1776. Although, the words are the same, the significance, importance, purpose, and even authorship have dramatically changed.

The Declaration of Independence did not spring from Thomas Jefferson's mind alone. Jefferson drew on many of the ideas and writings of others, including English philosopher John Locke, Scottish Enlightment thinker Francis Hutcheson, and George Mason whom drafted the Virginia Declaration of Rights. It is recognized that Jefferson borrowed heavily from John Locke's Second Treatise on Government (1690) and asserted in language already familiar the natural rights of men, including the right of revolution. It was also thought that Jefferson agreed with Scottish philosopher, Francis Hutcheson, in that all men are born equal to one another, but even though in principle Jefferson may have been opposed to slavery it is criticized that he saw no obvious way to end it and further continued to profit off the injustice himself. Lastly, in examination of the preamble of the Declaration of Independence it reveals a commonality of language and principal in comparison to George Mason's Declaration of Rights. Eloquently, Jefferson weaved together old ideas, its lack of originality was far from concern.

With the nation in a rare state of unamity over the push for independence Jefferson was faced with limited time. In two weeks Jefferson presented a first draft, but the document was no where near completion. From the original rough draft to the final text adopted by Congress on the morning of July 4, 1776, eighty-six changes were made with the help of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, other members of the drafting committee, and by the Congress. Yet, even in its entirety the Declaration was far from sacred and it would not be until generations later that its promise would be fulfilled, making it now an emblem of American pride.

The Patriot Act and Civil Liberties

In order to clarify the liberties that are believed to be "unalienable rights" of all Americans, the U.S. Congress added the first ten amendments known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments provide for the guarantee to specific rights and freedoms, with the principle that the Constitution and the body of law were created for the protection of the rights of the citizens. Therefore, in a time of crisis it is sometimes necessary for Congress to enact a law which aids in the security of our nation and ultimately infringing on some freedoms.

In just six weeks after the devastating events of September 11 terrorist attacks and despite