Topic

Assertion that Human Beings have Certain “Inalienable Rights”

Instructions

It is an analytical essay in response to the assertion that human beings have certain “inalienable rights” such as “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Jefferson, 1776). As support for your response include words, phrases, or sentences from “The Declaration of Independence” (http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/) The minimum word count is 800 words and the maximum is 900. The essay must contain a one sentence thesis statement, three or more body paragraphs with evidence to support the thesis, and a one paragraph conclusion which is drawn from the evidence. The paper needs to be in MLA format and submitted to this designated Turnitin link for credit. The sentences or words from the selection used in this essay must be parenthetically cited within the body of the essay, itself, and listed in MLA format on a Works Cited page

Answer Preview

America’s Declaration of Independence, which was drafted by a group of congressmen that included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and John Adams, stated that all human beings have a right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (US history.org). These powerful words which assert that all men have a right to live in peace and chart the course of their own lives, have been echoed in many movements that have since sought to emancipate different groups of people from institutionalized oppression. Even though the ‘Declaration of Independence’ was merely a state paper which was created by American congressmen to challenge Britain’s authoritarian policies over the colonies in 1776, its assertions about the universal rights of every man would be called upon by successive generations in coming centuries to challenge the validity of institutionalized oppression all over the world.

Word Count: 1100