Reference no: EM133754615

This is my assigment

The Declaration of Independence: Evolution of an Idea. This is what I have done and this is what my teacher has commented '' This needed to be focused on one of the topics not all of them.'' Can you fix this according to the teachers comment? without using AI

Analyze the origin, intention, and meaning of the Declaration of Independence and other texts.

Explore the Declaration of Independence, earlier drafts of the document, and the Enlightenment writings that were a significant influence on it.

Use quotes, from both the Declaration of Independence and other relevant texts, to develop clear arguments and support ideas.

Focusing on The ideas adapted by Jefferson from other sources (Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Voltaire)

Make sure the following is included:

Develop a strong thesis and gather specific primary and secondary source material. Use quotes from other relevant texts to develop clear arguments and support ideas. Make sure you are using examples from the Declaration of Independence to support your thesis.

The declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 and was an important part of democratic America. The document announces the colonies decision to break with Britain and establish an independent government. The evolution from Jeffersons first draft till the final approved constitution of the United States the progression highlights various political changes and concessions that reflect the impact of shifting political concepts and reality. This essay aims at looking at the changes made between the rough draft and the final document, the impact of enlightenments, and Jefferson's opinions in the formation of the final document.

Jefferson made several deletions and amendments to the document that were either up for reconsideration or input from others. One of the changes include a very significant change being made with regard to the segment dealing with slavery. Jefferson was more profuse in the first document he drew up where he accused the British Crown of continuing the carrying on of the slave trade and said that King George III had declared a war against human nature Itself. The exact words on the document being "He has waged cruel war against human nature itself, violating its most sacred rights of life and liberty in the persons of a distant people who never offended him". However, this harsh and vicious passage was deleted mainly due to the fears of Southerners that it would negatively affect their economies.

Another part of the original draft that has been omitted and expunged specially a stronger condemnation of the British rule. The British rule stated that New Offices filled with officers of the monarchy were established and many officials bothered the people and consumed their substance. As Mr Jefferson put into final wordings of the declaration "He has erected among us establishments for war and kept standing armies in times of peace, without consent of our legislatures" during the Drafting the Constitution.

Some of these changes were as a result of the pressure that the delegation required to arrive at a common resolution. The Continental Congress was at an early stage of achieving its unity as a major institution of the revolutionary movement, and so on the various matters of controversy it aimed to unite, it had to compromise. The elimination of the slavery condemnation and dilution of some offenses were as a result of the diplomacy Jefferson and his colleagues used to make sure that the Declaration of Independence attracted a universal applause.

Jeffersons writing was influenced by the concept and ideas around the Enlightenment thinkers. The major theorists influencing this movement were John Locke in matters concerning natural rights and government. Locke's idea was that people have natural rights to life, liberty, property and governments exist for the purpose of protecting these rights. Jefferson's words quoted in the Declaration of Independence also contain the reflection of Lock's ideas such as "all men are created equal" with "unalienable Rights" "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" Though, transforming Lock's ideas, Jefferson's formulations refer to a more extensive list of rights.

Another work of Montesquieu that affected Jefferson was the work he wrote on the separation of powers. According to Montesquieu, the best mechanism of avoiding tyranny is establishment of multiple layers of authorities in the government. A separation of power is in accordance with the principles contained in the Declaration, although the concept is not stated in the Declaration. As the Declaration is followed by the U. S. Constitution, the federal government lays out a working legislative, executive and judicial power.

The final ideas that I will discuss as an essential source coming with impact on the political culture are the notions of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, such as the social contract and the popular sovereignty. According to Rousseau the sovereignty of governments emerged only from the populace and a people have a right to change a government that does not work for them. This idea is evident in the Declaration when it says that governments get "their just powers from the consent of the governed" and that it is the right of the people to 'alter or to abolish,' an existing government that has become oppressive.

In conclusion the process of the changes from Jefferson's rough copy to the final text of the Declaration of Independence demonstrates the interdependence of the philosophical ideals and the realistic consideration for the possible result. The changes which separate the draft with the final speech going against one's own opinion and considering the objections of other delegates describe how far from simple it is to create a unifying declaration of independence. The Declaration of Independence combines key principles of the Enlightenment thinkers John Locke, Montesquieu and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whilst also acting as the basis for the statement of the rights while it unites the practical idea of creating a new state. This essay investigates how Jefferson a great advocate of the enlightenment ideas contributed to the creation of this historical document.