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Declaration Of Independence: Natural Rights And The Social Contract

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Declaration Of Independence: Natural Rights And The Social Contract
John Locke's philosophy is embedded in the Declaration of Independence, particularly through the concepts of Natural Rights and the Social Contract. Locke's idea that all individuals possess certain natural rights, such as life, liberty, and property, is reflected in the Declaration's assertion that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with "unalienable Rights," including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." Locke argued that governments are established to protect these natural rights, and when a government fails to do so, it is not only the right but also the duty of the people to alter or abolish it. This principle is in the Declaration, which justifies the colonies' decision to break away from British rule by emphasizing
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