Declaration Of Independence Analysis

The four self-evident truths of the Declaration of Independence are held by all citizens of the nation but are open to others as well because everyone strives for such independence. The truths stated include equality, rights, consent, and the right to revolution. Each is related to one another and practically is codependent of one another. A binding structure intertwined with the participation of the multitude of individuals under a governing body, these truths are in a specific order as well. Furthermore, a key aspect Jefferson remarks in his letter to Roger C. Weightman is that the truths specified are self-evident. “All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to
The point to recognizing the truths is essential to a citizen’s capacity to exercise their liberties.
It is extremely significant to say the least, that equality is the first self-evident truth mentioned in the declaration. This is important to recognize because it is a pre-political condition. This is to say, “that all men are created equal” before government even gets involved in the discussion. (Yarbrough, p.18) The second truth related to the rights citizens of the nation have as individuals. These “inherent and inalienable rights; that among these are as life, liberty, and the pursuit of
(Yarbrough, p.18) The third principle is probably the most important truth to understand as being self-evident because it allows governing to happen in the first place. Consenting to be governed is he essential aspect of our Republican government. We do not function as a direct democracy; we elect representatives to govern over us by making decisions on our behalf. We entrust statesmen and aristocrats to rule over us to ensure our safety. This requires to give up some of the liberties previously mentioned which then causes tension between the principles of equality and consent. This third truth is the most important because it is the only legitimate way to accomplish good government. If there is no consent, or if it is not properly taken care of, tyranny and “despotism” are a very real threat to society. Achieving an uncontested consent from the whole body politic is the intention government is founded on in the nation. The fourth self-evident truth has to deal with a duty that is called upon every participating person in government. This is the right of revolution. The significance that the last two truths hold is that they are