Question

Read the passage from the Declaration of Independence.

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.

—Declaration of Independence

How does the Declaration of Independence reflect Enlightenment thinking?

Enlightenment thinkers believed people had unalienable rights.
Enlightenment thinkers felt there were only three rights.
Enlightenment thinkers felt God guaranteed rights for all people.
Enlightenment thinkers felt happiness was the most important right.

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence reflects Enlightenment thinking by expressing the belief in unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Declaration of Independence reflects Enlightenment thinking by expressing the belief in unalienable rights.

Enlightenment thinkers, such as John Locke, believed that individuals are born with certain natural rights that cannot be taken away by any government.

The passage from the Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which aligns with the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers.

While happiness is an important right, Enlightenment thinkers did not believe it was the most important one.

The belief in God guaranteeing rights for all people is not explicitly mentioned in the passage.