The Declaration of Independence

Answer

The Declaration of Independence

Description of the Declaration of Independence

            The declaration of independence is exclusively found in the Archive’s store. It was customized and framed professionally in Arlington using non-reflective premium framing grade acrylic. Additionally, the declaration has gold or black wooden antique frames and is attached to a suede mat that is gold and navy colored and is triple acid-free. The declaration, which is wired and sealed for ready to hang on the wall, measures 20 ½ by 22 ½ inches and costs $170 plus a $20 shipping fee (Jefferson, 1776).

            The theme of the declaration of independence is equality of all men and that there exist fundamental rights that should never be violated by the government of the day. Such rights include the liberty and pursuit of happiness and the right to life which, if broken, the people possess the duty and right to overthrow such a government. Besides equality of all men, other ideas outlined in the declaration includes the role of the government as the protector of human rights and that the government must comprise parties consented to by the governed (Jefferson, 1776).

Figure: The Declaration of Independence (Jefferson, 1776)

Origin and Context of the Declaration of Independence

            The declaration of independence arose to represent a shift of democratic legitimacy and representation ideas that was happening at the time (Freeman, 2010). The representation difference between the declaration and the English constitutional theory can be easily visualized from the no “taxation without representation” revolutionary cry. Before the declaration, British parliament operated under virtual representation which was a declaration that sought to change the principle and incorporate a representation of the voices and interests of constituents. This gave rise the declaration of Independence which was drafted by Thomas Jefferson at the age of 33 years. The piece was accepted on 4^th July 1776 by the continental congress (Jefferson, 1776). An announcement was henceforth made that all thirteen American Colonies that were fighting Great Britain had attained independence and were not part of the British Empire anymore. These colonies were embodied into a union to form a nation which is the current United States of America.      Although the declaration of independence meant nothing during its drafting and struggle for independence, it became an iconic document after attaining freedom. The document facilitated the explosion of the American mind and formed the political and governance philosophy adopted by the state to ensure the people never experience oppression after the war against the British Empire (Freeman, 2010).

The influence that the Document Continues to Have on Contemporary Cultural Patterns

            The declaration of independence forms an important document not only in shaping American government during the struggle for independence, but also in the contemporary society (Freeman, 2010). The thoughts presented in the declaration are not originally from Jefferson but a reflection of the assumption of the Americans concerning the government and its political rights.

            Contemporary America is undergoing culture war such as gay rights, legalization of drugs, pornography, capital punishment, gun control, and abortion (Singh, 2003). These are struggles for independence from the existing laws and regulations governing the various situations. Therefore, the declaration of Independence is often used a reference point to ensure that human life and dignity are maintained. It enables the legislators to come up with laws that are not only appropriate but also ensure the rights of various individuals in the society are upheld (Singh, 2003).