2
Introduction
The foundation and framework of the American political philosophy is the Declaration of
Independence. Besides declaring separation from Great Britain, it also addresses the
justifications for doing so. By examining the fundamental ideas, the definitions of rights, and
omissions in the Constitution, we become more familiar with the values and principles that
influenced the founding of American society.
Main Ideas that Shaped the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration was shaped around three main concepts. These concepts are natural
rights, social contract, and the right of revolution (McClellan, 1989). The concept of natural
rights was influenced by Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke. This principle is expressed
considerably in the Declaration. The Declaration of Independence states 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" (Declaration of Independence: A Transcription,
2024). These are fundamental liberties that exist beyond the government.
The Declaration of Independence expresses the grievances against King George III which
aligns with the concept of social contract, another significant principle (McClellan, 1989). This
idea asserts that a government's right to defend the natural rights of its people is what gives it
authority (McClellan, 1989). The Declaration of Independence explains how the King, "obstinate
to every Petition for Redress," had infringed the rights of the Colonists, so justifying their right
to overthrow the incumbent government and establish a new one (Declaration of Independence:
A Transcription, 2024).
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Understanding of Rights
The Declaration's emphasis on natural rights signifies an important shift in the
understanding of rights. Before and during the conception of natural rights, individuals believed
that rights were favors or blessings bestowed by a ruler or a deity. While on the contrary, natural
rights are inherent and universal, existing independent of any sovereign. The colonists were
given the ability to question the validity of the British monarchy and assert their own authority in
part due to this idea, which thinkers like Montesquieu studied (McClellan, 1989).
Natural rights are consistent with Christian tradition, according to which humans were
made in the “image of God”, stated in Genesis 1:27 (Publishers, 2004). Although not explicitly
mentioned in the Declaration, the idea of fundamental worth by God provided the framework for
the notion of natural rights.
Political Ideas Not in the Declaration of Independence
Although the Declaration of Independence established the framework for American
democracy, it did not cover every potential political issue along the way. Interestingly, the
document said hardly anything about the specific form of government the new nation would
establish. The Second Continental Congress members were preoccupied with securing their
independence and postponed addressing the details of government until later (McClellan, 1989).
Furthermore, the Declaration had no specific references to concerns like voting rights, social
equality, or human rights. These problems, which had their beginnings in the social and
economic conditions of the colonies, would later grow to be major challenges (McClellan, 1989).
4
Conclusion
Natural rights, social contract, and the right of revolution created the framework of the
Declaration of Independence, which developed into an influential statement of individual
freedom. It depended on the intellectual and religious traditions to challenge the British
monarchy, and to create the foundation for a new nation on the ideals and principles of liberty
and self-government.
5
References
Declaration of Independence: a transcription. (2024, July 3). National Archives.
https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
McClellan, J. (2000). Liberty, order, and justice: An Introduction to the Constitutional
Principles of American Government.
Publishers, H. (2004). The Holy Bible: King James Version. Hendrickson Publishers.
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