Declaration Of Independence Today Essay -- essays research papers fc

A Latin statement commonly used in the center Ages to define the purpose of government reads servitium propter jura, non potestas praeter jura. This succinct statement translates to mean, service to and for the sake of rights, not a power exercised beyond or outside of rights. This age-old definition of what gains a government should work toward, coupled with a belief in the importance of universal rights, provided in essence the backbone of the American resolve of Independence. However, doubting Thomas Jefferson and the Continental Congress chose a more contemporary elaboration of what was meant by those succinct Latin haggling when they endeavored to break the union with England. Yet few Americans admit to take the opportunity to learn and understand those defining principles that the Founding Fathers laid forth in that first and all-important document. If contemporary Americans were to simply read the words and follow the principles that reside within Declaration of Independe nce, the nation as a whole might be philosophically aimed in an entirely different counselingthe one for which it was first intended.The Declaration of Independence was written as a means of accusing the English King of wrongs before the world as a jury. Thomas Jefferson is quoted as saying it was an appeal to the tribunal of the world. (Adler 23) But under which law was the King to be accused? Obviously not English law, the actually law they were putting down. The laws of an independent and sovereign nation would likewise have ill effect. Jefferson instead chose to use a law John Locke had first proposed called natural law, which had become the very fuel enflaming the colonies. (Munves 13) These are rights believed to be the common property of all individuals, regardless of nationality, and are older indeed than any government. Therefore, one of the just about fundamental misconceptions most Americans have about the Declaration of Independence pertains to the documents intended audience. Many believe that it was a declaration to England and her King of the addictions intent to be independent. In fact, the Declaration of Independence was written for a universal audience. The colonies were already well beyond the point of explaining themselves to England, and England was well aware(p) of the grievances that were felt. The first paragraph of the Declaration affirms thi... ...r. It stands as a definitive work on the subject of government and its role to the people it serves. In addition, it outlines the true vocation all men have to themselves and their country. It is the obligation to pursue a good life, the maintenance of his own individual freedom, and the greatest fulfillment of his potential, happiness.BibliographyAdler, Mortimer J., and William Gorman. The American Testament. New York Praeger, 1975.The storey Channel. 2000. The History Channel. 8 Dec. 2000 Munves, James. Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence The Writing and Editing o f the Document that marked the Birth of the UnitedStates of America. New York Charles Scribners Sons, 1976.National muniment and Records Administration. 18 Jul. 2000. National Archives and Records Administration. 6 Dec. 2000 Office of the Secretary of State. Center for research on Vermont. State of Vermont,Deb Markowitz. 6 Dec. 2000.Wills, Gary. Inventing America Jeffersons Declaration of Independence. Garden CityDoubleday, 1978.