The Declaration of Independence

“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. 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. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”

    To my understanding, the passage focuses on the power the people have over the government. This also focuses on equality of all human beings and that everyone deserves happiness. This declaration of independence is here to remind us that we have gained freedom and that it is our duty to decide how the government is run. It mentions that people have the power to change a government if it is not giving us satisfaction. Although the declaration of independence states that the people have the power most of us know this is not true. That we cannot just simply change the government even though we see injustice being done.

     The reason why I choose this passage is because of the meaning it holds. From what I understand about the declaration of independence people have the duty to rule how a government runs. However this is rarely done and in a way I understand why so many people have lost interest on seeing how much power we are suppose to have. This passage represents freedom and happiness and it expresses the right of the people to demand a government that provides this for us. Overall, this is very important for us to know, it is information that everyone should know. Everyone should know what the country stands for and what are our responsibilities as citizens of the country.