The phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," as found in the Declaration of Independence, refers to
a. complaints against the king
b. a manifesto for living
c. a justification for capitalism
d. specific inalienable rights
D
right
The phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness," as found in the Declaration of Independence, refers to specific inalienable rights. While I can provide you with the correct answer, I'd also like to explain how to arrive at it.
To understand the meaning behind this phrase, it is important to go back to the historical context of the Declaration of Independence. The document was written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, during the American Revolution against British rule.
In the Declaration, Jefferson outlined the reasons for the American colonies to declare their independence from Britain. He argued that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights. These rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
By stating that these rights are unalienable, Jefferson meant that they are inherent and cannot be taken away or denied by any governing authority. These rights are considered to be fundamental to human existence and should be protected and upheld by a just government.
Therefore, the correct answer is d. specific inalienable rights. The phrase emphasizes that individuals have the right to live, to be free from oppression and tyranny, and to pursue their own happiness in the way they see fit, as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others.
So, in summary, the phrase "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" in the Declaration of Independence refers to the specific inalienable rights that all individuals possess.