What ideals were the authors of the Declaration of

Independence hoping for in their future nation?

Friday, March 1, 2024 3:48 PM

The authors of the Declaration of Independence, such as Thomas Jefferson, John

Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and others, were hoping for a nation founded on the
principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance. They envisioned a society where
individuals were free from tyranny and oppression, where all people were considered
equal under the law, and where government derived its power from the consent of the
governed.
Specifically, they hoped for:
1. Equality: They believed that all men were created equal and should have equal rights
and opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.
2. Liberty: They valued individual liberty and believed that people should be free to pursue
their own happiness without undue interference from government or other authorities.
3. Self-Governance: They believed in the principle of self-governance, where the people
have the right to choose their own leaders and participate in the democratic process.
4. Natural Rights: They believed in the concept of natural rights, including the rights to life,
liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which they believed were inherent to all human
beings.
5. Limited Government: They believed in the need for a government that was limited in its
powers and that respected the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Overall, the authors of the Declaration of Independence hoped to create a nation that
embodied these ideals and served as a beacon of freedom and democracy for the
world.

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