Which Ideal of the Declaration of Independence Is the Most Important?

DBQ

On July 4, 1776, the American government gained independence from Great Britain through the Declaration of Independence, which was written by a committee of five individuals. This pivotal document is structured with an introduction, a statement of government ideals, a detailed list of grievances against the British, and a declaration of independence from Great Britain. The four core ideals outlined in the Declaration; consent of the governed, Equality, Unalienable Rights, and the right to alter or abolish, serve as the bedrock of our government.

Among these ideals, Equality stands out as the most crucial, playing a significant role in the success of our government to this day.

Today, the principle of equality guarantees us the same opportunities as our peers. We have the right to vote, access education, enjoy freedom of speech, practice religion freely, and many other equal rights. The Declaration of Independence not only grants us the power to be equals but also secures unalienable rights, consent of the governed, and the right to alter or abolish.

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Equality is intrinsically linked to Liberty, as unalienable rights are essential for individuals to protect themselves from potential government oppression. Andrew Sullivan once expressed his belief in Liberty, stating that every soul has the capacity to strive for its own well-being. Although Sullivan acknowledged the pursuit of happiness as a journey, rather than a destination, he emphasized the importance of unalienable rights in fostering equality and strengthening our government.

To ensure the equality of our government, the consent of the governed is vital.

This concept implies that the people of a nation consent to the formation of their own government. In 1989, a group of Chinese students gathered in Beijing's Tiananmen Square, adopting the Statue of Liberty as a symbol for their demands for truth, freedom, and democracy from their government. Without the consent of the governed, true happiness and equality would be unattainable.

The right to alter or abolish our government is another significant ideal, as it allows society and its leaders to learn from past mistakes. The Declaration of Tea Party Independence, for instance, aimed to restore policies that safeguard liberty and prosperity for all. Without the right to alter or abolish our government, our freedom and strength as a nation would be compromised. The belief in equality in America has not only inspired hope but has also transformed lives, as seen in the story of Diana Pham and her family. Originally from communist Vietnam, the Pham family arrived in Chicago in 1980, where they found endless opportunities to pursue their dreams. Diana Pham's daughters, like many other Americans, had equal opportunities to succeed and become whoever they aspired to be.

In 1776, the principle of equality primarily benefited white, wealthy American males. However, over the years, our government has evolved to encompass equality for both men and women. The Declaration of Sentiments in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848 marked a turning point, where women and men declared that all individuals are created equal. Today, both women and men have the right to vote, pursue education, and build successful careers, thanks to the tireless efforts of advocates for equality.

The four core ideals of our government have contributed to the strength and freedom of our society. However, without equality, the other three ideals would not be able to flourish. Equality serves as the foundation of our robust and independent government, ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation's progress.

References

• Declaration of Independence - National Archives
• Declaration of Independence - History.com
• American Revolution History - History.com
• Signers of the Declaration of Independence - USHistory.org
• Declaration of Independence - Mount Vernon
• Facts About the Declaration of Independence - Smithsonian Magazine