The American Declaration of Independence was inspired by several documents, including:
1. The Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776) - This document, written by George Mason, declared that all men had certain inherent rights, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
2. The English Bill of Rights (1689) - This document, passed by the English Parliament, declared that certain rights were the birthright of English citizens, including the right to petition the government, the right to a fair trial, and the right to bear arms.
3. The Magna Carta (1215) - This document, signed by King John of England, established the principle that everyone, including the king, was subject to the law, and that certain rights, such as the right to a fair trial, could not be taken away.
4. The writings of John Locke - John Locke, an English philosopher, argued that all people had natural rights that could not be taken away by the government.
These documents and ideas helped shape the American Declaration of Independence and the principles that underlie the American system of government.