Principles Of John Locke And The Declaration Of Independence

Essay Question: RELATE the ideas of John Locke to the Declaration of Independence by DISCUSSING three main ideas in the Declaration of Independence and how each relates to the Natural Rights Philosophy. FCA 1: Clearly stated definition AND explanation of Natural Rights Philosophy. (35 points) FCA 2: Correct and consistent verb usage. (15 points) FCA 3: No unnecessary words and phrases; no repetition. (15 points) FCA 4: Concluding remarks that summarizes the focus of the essay and emphasizes the lasting impacts of these ideas. (35 points) Following, numerous years of tension and issues, including unfair taxation, and unlawful restrictions, Great Britain and the colonies, underwent a revolution resulting in their separation. Through†¦show more content†¦A Social contract is an agreement between the people and their government limiting an individuals rights but in exchange offering them protection. The declaration acknowledges  ¨That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.† (Declaration of Independence) A social contract is implemented to protect the rights of the people and form a civil society. The government is created by the people and, for this reason, is to serve the interests of its citizens fully. The belief that a government derives its authority from the people, in the form of a social contract, correlates to popular sovereignty established by John Locke. Popular sovereignty explains that if a person through a s ocial contract is creating a government then the government, therefore, derives its power from the people. This ensures that if a person is entering society by consent through a social contract they can withdraw their consent because the sovereignty of government is with the people. (We the People, 17) In addition, to the consent to leave the government people also have the ability to overthrow the government is it ever fails to secure and protect their rights. In addition, the Declaration of Independence gives the people the right to abolish and replace their government in the case of it becoming corruptShow MoreRelatedThomas Paine Common Sense Analysis1052 Words   |  5 Pageswriting by examining â€Å"The Declaration of Independence† and Thomas Paine’s â€Å"Common Sense.† Basically, the two documents echo principles stated in John Locke’s â€Å"Second Treatise of Government,† and share a style of expressing their feelings on national issues; the authors examine and give reasons for colonial problems with the government and offer a solution. The tone and audience might vary, but the overall message is similar in its principles, showing the impact Locke and Paine had on such a vitalRead MoreThe Inspiration of the Declaration of Independence1203 Words   |  5 PagesMany of us tend to wonder what was the inspiration of the Declaration of Independence? What or who influenced one of the greatest foundi ng fathers, Thomas Jefferson, to create such an important document in our American history. To really understand what influenced Thomas Jefferson, we must understand some of the men who inspired him when creating this document. Its also important for us to understand the philosophies these men went by, and why Thomas Jefferson wanted incorporate their philosophiesRead MoreHistory of the Declaration of Independence738 Words   |  3 Pagesï » ¿The Declaration of Independence: A brief history The Declaration of Independence is not a formal, legal document like the U.S. Constitution. However, it is often cited as setting forth the principles of the American system of government and used as a defense of the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the American political discourse. While not officially binding like a body of law, because of its ideological and emotional significance, the Declaration still remains relevantRead More Americas Abandonment of Natural Law Essay1185 Words   |  5 Pages      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Declaration of Independence forthrightly states We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The origin of these Rights is ...the Laws of Nature and of Natures God... (Declaration of Independence). 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In his book Letters Concerning Toleration, John Locke wrote inRead MoreWas the American Revolution Conservative?1246 Words   |  5 Pagesfelt were being usurped by the King and Parliament. The Declaration of Independence provides a great deal of evidence of the American colonists anger over what they saw as the King not recognizing the traditional rights they felt they were entitled to. For instance, the first grievance listed in the Declaration states that the King has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. (Declaration of Independence) When they wrote this the Founding Fathers were referringRead MoreEssay John Lockes Theories in The Declaration of Independence779 Words   |  4 PagesJohn Lockes Theories in The Declaration of Independence When looking at the Declaration of Independence and the justifications which Jefferson used in order to encourage the dissolve of the ties between the United Colonies and Great Britain, it becomes apparent how much of the theories of John Locke that Jefferson used as the basis for his argument. Focusing particularly on the second paragraph of the Declaration, the arguments for the equality of each man and the formation and destructionRead MoreReligious, Social, Philosophical, And Political Upheaval1394 Words   |  6 PagesSpecifically, the Treaty of Paris (1763) written at the end of the French and Indian war reflects the entrenched state religious beliefs of Protestantism and Catholicism in England and France. However, both the American Declaration of Independence (1776) and the French Declaration of the Rights of Man (1789) represent deistic ideologies and simultaneously place much importance on natural rights and the idea of a â€Å"social contract† as perpetuated by Enli ghtenment philosophes and embraced by the revolutionist