Final answer:
Frederick Douglass regarded the Declaration of Independence due to its democratic ideals and acknowledgment of natural rights, despite the fact that these rights were not extended to enslaved African Americans at the time. His respect for the document stemmed from its vision of equal rights and justice, which he strived to apply universally through his activism. The document remains vital as it represents foundational democratic principles and the evolving quest for true equality in America.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Frederick Douglass said he "regards" the Declaration of Independence, he acknowledged the profound democratic principles it embodies, despite being excluded from its promises due to the institutionalized slavery of his time. Douglass viewed the document as embodying the noble ideals of equality and natural rights, which espoused the principles that "all men are created equal" with rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These ideals stood in stark contrast to the reality of slavery, highlighting the hypocrisy and contradictions of the nation's founding fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson, who, despite recognizing the immorality of slavery, did not take definitive action to abolish it and remained a slaveholder throughout his life. Douglass's regard for the Declaration was rooted in its aspirational vision of a more just and equal society, one he fought to realize for all Americans, including African Americans who were denied these unalienable rights.
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history because it laid the ideological foundation for the nation's conception of democracy and human rights. However, the inclusion of all people in the promise of these rights has been a contentious and evolving journey, marked by the sustained effort of individuals like Frederick Douglass to hold the nation accountable to its stated ideals. In the 21st century, the Declaration remains a symbol of freedom and a testament to the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for all citizens.