Jefferson, "Declaration of Independence"

Basic Idea:

Jefferson uses Locke ideas almost word for word to justify the colonies’ separation from Britain in the preamble to the “Declaration of Independence.”

Reason for Stating the Reason

In the first paragraph Jefferson states that when it becomes necessary for a nation to separate political ties to become separate but equal to which the laws of God and nature entitle them, it is also necessary to justify the reason for this step in the eyes of men.

Quotation Worth Noting

“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, 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.”

Locke believed that life, liberty, and property were an individual’s essential natural rights, Jefferson substituted the “Pursuit of Happiness” for property.

Ideas on Government

Government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

It is the right of the people to alter or abolish government when it no longer serves its purpose, and to form new government that is keeping with the peoples’ ideas of government.

Governments long establish should not be changed for light and transient causes

Ideas on Governed

Mankind is more disposed to suffer while evils are sufferable than to improve their position by changing their government.

When a long train of abuses and usurpations occurs to reduce the governed under a system of absolute despotism it is their right and even their duty to to throw off such government.

Application to the Colonies

The colonies are in the afore described situation in which it is necessary to throw off the government and form a new one.

The history of the King of Great Britain (King George III) is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations all having in object the establishment of and absolute tyranny over the states.

Therefore justifying the need to separate and form a separate and equal government.