Final answer:
Independence is fundamental in multiple contexts including historical, where a nation claims self-rule exemplified by the Declaration of Independence; institutional, ensuring a judiciary free from external influence; and international, concerning the sovereignty of states in global affairs and managing resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of independence can be comprehensively understood through various contexts. In the historical realm, it refers to a nation or state's self-governance, free from the control of an external power. The term is often associated with the Declaration of Independence, a seminal document from 1776 where American colonies affirmed their sovereignty from British rule and enumerated various offenses by the British Crown. In terms of government structure, it also relates to the constitutional principle of enumerated powers, ensuring a balance between federal and state jurisdictions.
In a philosophical and civil context, independence embodies the concept of freedom as tied to free will, the capability of individuals to make choices autonomously. The judiciary exemplifies institutional independence, where courts must operate free of undue influence, upholding the rule of law and fairness in democracy.
International independence, meanwhile, denotes the sovereign right of countries to pursue policies in their national interest, manage resources, and engage in diplomacy. The rise of independent states, especially following decolonization movements, has significantly altered global politics and the composition of international bodies like the United Nations (UN).