The Declaration of Independence Assignment

Overview

The purpose of this paper is to identify the ideas that shaped the Declaration of Independence. Specifically, you will research and describe the philosophy of government that shapes the Declaration of Independence. You will explore the influence of natural rights, natural law, contract theory, religious liberty, and limited government. At the end of this assignment, you should have a deeper understanding of the ideas that shaped the Declaration of Independence.

Your paper must address the following 3 questions (The McClellan text will help you with these three questions):

  1. What were the main ideas that shaped the Declaration of Independence?
  2. What was the main understanding of rights?  How do natural rights and natural law shape that understanding of rights?
  3. Which political ideas are not found in the Declaration of Independence?

 

Instructions 

The specific short paper assignment instructions are the following:

  • Length of assignment: 2-3 pages in addition to the following: title page, abstract, and reference section.
  • Format of assignment: latest edition of APA.
  • Number of citations: at least three scholarly sources
  • Acceptable sources: scholarly articles published within the last five years, course texts, and the Bible.