Final answer:
Thomas Jefferson and the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence chose to use the phrase "pursuit of happiness" instead of John Locke's "property" as a natural right for several reasons. First, Jefferson wanted to convey the idea that individuals have the right to seek personal fulfillment and well-being in their own way. Second, the use of "pursuit of happiness" encompassed a broader range of rights and aspirations. Finally, Jefferson may have wanted to emphasize the importance of individual autonomy and self-determination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Jefferson and the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence chose to use the phrase "pursuit of happiness" instead of John Locke's "property" as a natural right for several reasons. First, Jefferson wanted to convey the idea that individuals have the right to seek personal fulfillment and well-being in their own way, rather than being limited to the acquisition of material possessions. Second, the use of "pursuit of happiness" was a way to encompass a broader range of rights and aspirations, including personal and emotional fulfillment, beyond just property rights. Finally, Jefferson may have wanted to emphasize the importance of individual autonomy and self-determination, which goes beyond mere ownership of property.