Final answer:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Declaration of Independence have underlying similarities in advocating inherent human rights, but they differ in scope and cultural perspectives. Both documents reflect the influence of natural law and have shaped human rights discourse, although the UDHR encompasses a broader range of issues and faces criticism for potentially imposing Western values.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the Declaration of Independence share a fundamental belief in inherent human rights. The Declaration of Independence, authored in 1776, specifies that people have 'unalienable rights' such as 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.' These rights are considered natural and inalienable, stemming from natural law as expounded upon by philosopher John Locke. The UDHR, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, expands upon these concepts globally, articulating a wide array of rights including freedom from slavery, forced marriage, and the right to participate in government.
Furthermore, the UDHR also recognizes civil rights such as the freedom of movement within one's own country, the right to join a union, and the right to hold a nationality. Despite these similarities, some themes are distinct between the two documents. The UDHR has been criticized by some cultures, such as Islamic countries, for imposing Western philosophies, as highlighted by the adoption of the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam. Nevertheless, both documents share a common backdrop of advocating for human rights and have been influential in shaping political ethos and legal structures around the world.