The Brilliance of the Declaration of Independence

One of the most quoted lines in history is "all men are created equal". Unfortunately, most people think this line is from the Constitution, when it is of course from the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence is one of the greatest political writings of all time, even though its impact is purely theoretical.

The Declaration of Independence has no legal relevance today. The phrases "all men are created equal" and "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" are goals for governments to achieve, but since neither of these phrases appears in the Constitution they have no legal power. The Declaration of Independence is about what the British government was not doing more than what an American government should do.

The organization of the Declaration emphasizes the importance of reason. The first half of the document is an explanation of political theory. Borrowing heavily from John Locke and Montesquieu Jefferson and his co-contributors layed out the rational for revolution. Stating that a government should secure the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and when they can no longer do this it the duty of the people to replace it, briefly and clearly explains the rational for a coming revolution.

Revolution was not something that should be resorted to quickly. In fact the Declaration states, "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed." Jefferson did not make the supporters of revolution look like fanatical extremists just looking for change, but long suffering people left with no other option.

The second half of the Declaration is a laundry list of offenses the British government had inflicted on the colonists. Rather than using vague scenarios or analogies, the Declaration states exactly what has been done. Serving as an indictment against a government that could not be easily defended and would persuade people skeptical about a revolution.

The Declaration of Independence is not just one of the most beautifully written pieces of political philosophy in history. It is the philosophical backbone for our government. Although it has no legal standing, it is a constant reminder of what kind of government we want and deserve. Frequently quoted and even copied by leaders all over the world since its creation, the brilliance of the Declaration of Independence is both subtle and powerful.