Question

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. - That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, - That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Questions:
- What does "unalienable rights" mean? What are those rights according to Jefferson?
- What responsibility does the government have with these rights?

Answer 1

"Unalienable rights" refer to rights that cannot be denied to anyone. According to Jefferson, these rights are "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

It is the primary duty of the government to ensure that these rights are given to everyone. If a government isn't doing this, they aren't fulfilling their job.