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The Declaration of Independence, adopted in 1776, is a foundational document that announced the American colonies’ separation from Britain. It also articulated core principles about individual rights and government authority that continue to influence the rights people have today.
The Principles of the Declaration
The document emphasizes that all people are created equal and possess certain unalienable rights. These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration states that governments are established to protect these rights, and if they fail, citizens have the right to alter or abolish them.
Impact on Modern Rights
The principles outlined in the Declaration laid the groundwork for later legal protections and civil rights movements. Many rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights are rooted in the ideas of individual liberty and government accountability from the Declaration.
Rights You Have Today
- Freedom of speech: The right to express your opinions without government interference.
- Right to privacy: Protection against unwarranted government searches and seizures.
- Right to vote: The ability to participate in elections and influence government decisions.
- Equal protection under the law: Laws that prevent discrimination based on race, gender, or other characteristics.