Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson listed grievances against King George III in the Declaration of Independence, highlighting abuses of power and advocating for a government based on the consent of the governed and Enlightenment ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson's Argument in the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson organized the argument in the body of the Declaration of Independence by listing a long series of grievances against King George III, thus justifying the American colonies' break from British rule. These grievances detailed the ways in which the king had abused his power, such as imposing taxes without consent, obstructing trade, and denying the rights to a fair trial and self-government. Jefferson argued that such violations of rights were intolerable, and the colonies had the right to establish a new government based on Enlightenment principles, particularly those of John Locke and the idea of the consent of the governed. The document, which was ratified on July 4th, 1776, laid out the fundamentals of American government, emphasizing the ideas of natural rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Jefferson's writing was also influenced by the works of enlightenment philosophers and conveyed the anti-slavery overtones that all men are created equal. This principle has been crucial to the foundation of American government and has continued to influence rights and liberties discussions thereafter.