Question

Which of the following is the most accurate description of the process of declaring independence?

A. The notion of natural rights of life, liberty, and property was a radical, and uniquely American, ideal.
B. The Declaration of Independence was written solely by Thomas Jefferson and passed without revision by Congress.
C. The Declaration of Independence was unanimously supported by the Continental Congress, which reflected the unanimity of popular opinion on the issue.
D. The writing of an official declaration was precipitated by increased British aggression, and full-scale war was imminent, which was a tipping point for Congress.

Answer 1

The most accurate description is D, which says the Declaration was drafted amid rising British aggression, leading to the imminent full-scale war that pushed Congress towards independence. The Declaration was influenced by Enlightenment ideas and was debated and revised by the Continental Congress.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most accurate description of the process of declaring independence is that the writing of an official declaration was precipitated by increased British aggression, and full-scale war was imminent, which was a tipping point for Congress. This corresponds to option D from the provided choices. Historically, support for American independence was influenced by Enlightenment principles, particularly those of social contract theorists like John Locke. The Declaration of Independence, while communicating a list of grievances against the British crown, also articulated the core beliefs that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with "certain unalienable rights", such as "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness".

The Continental Congress, featuring notables such as Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and others, engaged in substantial discussions, revisions, and ultimately voted to adopt the Declaration, although unanimity was not achieved with New York initially abstaining from the vote.