Understanding the True Meaning of the Second Paragraph of the Declaration of Independence

The second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous passages in American history. It outlines key Enlightenment ideas about government and individual rights, which have become foundational to the American democratic system. Let's dive into what this paragraph truly means:

The Fundamental Concepts

The paragraph emphasizes several core ideas that were revolutionary at the time and continue to be significant today:

Equality

The assertion that 'all men are created equal' means that every individual is inherently entitled to the same rights under the law. This idea challenges the historical notion that some people are inherently superior and entitled to rule over others.

Unalienable Rights

The phrase 'unalienable rights' suggests that these rights are inherent and cannot be taken away. This means that these rights are not granted by a governing body but are a fundamental part of being human. For example, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are considered unalienable.

Purpose of Government

According to the second paragraph, the primary role of government is to secure these unalienable rights. This implies that the legitimate power of the government comes from the consent of the governed. Governments exist to protect the rights of their citizens.

Consent of the Governed

This idea emphasizes that a government's authority is derived from the consent of those it governs. If a government fails to protect the rights of its citizens, it loses its legitimacy and the people have the right to establish a new government.

Right to Alter or Abolish Government

The declaration asserts that if a government fails to protect the rights of the people, it can be altered or even abolished. This concept supports the idea of popular sovereignty and the people's right to resist tyranny.

The Philosophical Foundation of the American Revolution

Thomas Jefferson and his contemporaries were influenced by Enlightenment thinking, particularly the philosophy of John Locke. They sought to shift from the notion of the divine right of kings, which held that monarchs were entitled to rule based on divine Providence, to the belief that the right to rule belongs to the people and is based on their consent.

This is a significant departure from traditional political theory. By declaring that the consent of the people is the basis for legitimate government, Jefferson and his contemporaries were essentially saying, 'We are doing something radical and important, here is why it is justified.' This rejection of the divine right of kings was a groundbreaking shift in political thought.

Historical Context and Impact

At the time of its writing, these ideas were controversial and even incendiary. They challenged the status quo and disrupted the traditional hierarchies of power. This is likely why, when the British Army surrendered to General Washington at the end of the Revolutionary War, the British Army band played 'The World Turned Upside Down.' The phrase encapsulates the seismic shift in political and societal structures that the American Revolution brought about.

The words in the Declaration of Independence continue to resonate today. They serve as a powerful reminder of the fundamental principles upon which American democracy was founded and the ongoing struggle for equal rights and fair governance.