Which Best Describes The Conclusion Of The Declaration Of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, a cornerstone document in American history, culminates in a powerful and definitive conclusion. It's more than just a statement of grievances; it's a declaration of sovereignty, a philosophical argument for self-governance, and a call to action. Understanding the multifaceted nature of its conclusion requires examining its key components and their lasting impact.

The Essence of the Declaration's Conclusion

The conclusion of the Declaration of Independence isn't merely a final paragraph; it's the crescendo of a carefully constructed argument. It serves as:

• A Statement of Independence: The most obvious and crucial element. It unequivocally declares that the thirteen American colonies are free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown.
• A Declaration of Rights: It reiterates the inherent rights of the people, including the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and asserts the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive of these ends.
• A Pledge of Allegiance: The signatories pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to support the declaration, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to the cause of independence.
• An Assertion of Sovereignty: It proclaims the full power of independent states, including the right to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and perform all other acts that independent states may do.
• An Appeal to Divine Providence: It invokes the protection of Divine Providence, acknowledging a reliance on a higher power in their struggle for freedom.

Deconstructing the Concluding Paragraph

Let's dissect the concluding paragraph to fully appreciate its significance:

"We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

Each phrase carries weight and contributes to the overall impact:

• "We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled...": This establishes the authority behind the declaration. It's not a rebellion by a few disgruntled colonists, but a unified decision made by elected representatives of the people.
• "...appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions...": This acknowledges a higher moral authority and seeks justification for their actions. It suggests that their cause is just and aligned with divine principles.
• "...do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies...": This emphasizes that the declaration is made on behalf of the people, reinforcing the concept of popular sovereignty.
• "...solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States...": This is the core statement of independence. The phrase "of Right ought to be" emphasizes the inherent right to self-governance.
• "...that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved...": This explicitly breaks all ties with Great Britain, both politically and symbolically.
• "...and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do...": This asserts the full powers of sovereignty, outlining the rights and responsibilities of an independent nation.
• "And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.": This is the ultimate commitment. The signatories pledge everything they have to the cause of independence, demonstrating their unwavering resolve. The reference to "Divine Providence" underscores their faith and belief in the righteousness of their cause.

The Philosophical Underpinnings

The Declaration's conclusion, like the document as a whole, is deeply rooted in Enlightenment philosophy. Key concepts include:

• Natural Rights: The belief that individuals possess inherent rights that cannot be taken away by any government. This is articulated in the famous phrase "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
• Social Contract Theory: The idea that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed. If the government fails to uphold its end of the contract by infringing upon natural rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
• Popular Sovereignty: The principle that ultimate political power resides in the people. The declaration emphasizes that the colonies are acting on behalf of the "good People of these Colonies."
• Right of Revolution: The justification for overthrowing a tyrannical government. The long list of grievances detailed in the Declaration serves as evidence that the British government has become destructive of the colonists' rights.

The Impact and Legacy

The Declaration of Independence had a profound and lasting impact, both domestically and internationally:

• Revolutionary Inspiration: It served as a powerful call to arms for the American colonists, galvanizing support for the Revolution and providing a clear articulation of their goals.
• Foundation for American Government: It laid the philosophical foundation for the American system of government, emphasizing individual rights, limited government, and popular sovereignty.
• Inspiration for Global Movements: It inspired movements for independence and self-determination around the world. Its ideas about natural rights and popular sovereignty resonated with people struggling for freedom and democracy.
• Ongoing Debate and Interpretation: The Declaration continues to be a subject of debate and interpretation. Its meaning has evolved over time as Americans grapple with issues of equality, justice, and the role of government.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

It's important to address some common misconceptions about the Declaration's conclusion:

• It didn't immediately guarantee freedom: While the Declaration proclaimed independence, it didn't automatically secure it. The American Revolution was a long and arduous struggle, and victory was far from certain.
• It didn't address slavery: The Declaration's assertion that "all men are created equal" was a powerful statement, but it was not fully realized in practice. Slavery remained a deeply entrenched institution in American society for many years after the Declaration was signed. This hypocrisy fueled abolitionist movements and ultimately led to the Civil War.
• It wasn't universally embraced: Not all colonists supported independence. Loyalists remained loyal to the British Crown, and the Declaration was a divisive document that further polarized American society.
• It's not legally binding in the same way as the Constitution: The Declaration is a statement of principles and ideals, while the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. However, the Declaration's principles have profoundly influenced the interpretation of the Constitution and the development of American law.

The Signatories: A Pledge of Lives, Fortunes, and Sacred Honor

The act of signing the Declaration of Independence was an incredibly courageous one. The signatories knew that they were committing treason and risking their lives, fortunes, and reputations. Understanding the gravity of their pledge adds another layer of depth to the conclusion. They were:

• Putting Their Lives on the Line: By signing, they were declaring themselves enemies of the British Crown and subject to the penalties of treason, which could include death.
• Risking Their Fortunes: Many of the signatories were wealthy merchants and landowners. By supporting the Revolution, they risked losing their property and financial security.
• Sacrificing Their Sacred Honor: In the 18th century, honor was a deeply valued concept. By signing the Declaration, they were pledging their integrity and reputation to the cause of independence. If the Revolution failed, they would be remembered as traitors and rebels.

The Declaration's Conclusion in Modern Context

The principles enshrined in the Declaration of Independence continue to resonate in modern society. Its emphasis on individual rights, popular sovereignty, and the right of revolution remains relevant in a world grappling with issues of democracy, human rights, and self-determination. The Declaration's conclusion serves as a reminder that:

• Freedom is not free: It requires vigilance, courage, and a willingness to stand up for what is right.
• Government should be accountable to the people: The Declaration emphasizes that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.
• The pursuit of equality is an ongoing process: The Declaration's assertion that "all men are created equal" remains an aspirational goal that requires continuous effort and commitment.

Examining the Use of Rhetoric

The conclusion of the Declaration is a masterpiece of rhetoric, employing several persuasive techniques to maximize its impact:

• Ethos (Appeal to Authority): By invoking the "Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled," the Declaration establishes credibility and legitimacy.
• Pathos (Appeal to Emotion): The pledge of "our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor" evokes a sense of sacrifice and commitment, appealing to the emotions of the audience.
• Logos (Appeal to Logic): The Declaration presents a logical argument for independence, based on the principles of natural rights and the social contract. The conclusion summarizes this argument and reiterates the justification for their actions.
• Kairos (Appeal to Timeliness): The Declaration was issued at a critical moment in history, when the colonists believed that reconciliation with Great Britain was no longer possible. The conclusion emphasizes the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.

The Role of Key Figures

While the Declaration was a collective effort, certain figures played particularly important roles in shaping its conclusion:

• Thomas Jefferson: As the primary author, Jefferson was responsible for drafting the concluding paragraph. His eloquent prose and philosophical insights shaped the document's tone and message.
• John Adams: Adams played a crucial role in advocating for independence and convincing the Continental Congress to adopt the Declaration. He understood the importance of a strong and unequivocal statement of independence.
• Benjamin Franklin: Franklin's wisdom and diplomatic skills helped to ensure that the Declaration was well-received both at home and abroad.

Beyond the Text: The Act of Declaration

It's essential to remember that the Declaration of Independence was more than just a written document; it was an act of defiance. The act of declaring independence had significant ramifications:

• It transformed the conflict from a rebellion into a revolution: By declaring independence, the colonists were no longer simply seeking redress of grievances; they were fighting for the right to self-governance.
• It opened the door to foreign alliances: By declaring themselves an independent nation, the colonists were able to seek assistance from other countries, such as France.
• It forced the colonists to create their own government: With independence came the responsibility of creating a new government based on the principles of liberty and self-governance.

The Enduring Power of the Conclusion

In conclusion, the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence is far more than a simple closing statement. It's a powerful declaration of sovereignty, a philosophical argument for self-governance, a pledge of allegiance, and an appeal to divine providence. Its enduring power lies in its articulation of fundamental principles of liberty, equality, and self-determination, which continue to inspire movements for freedom and democracy around the world. It serves as a constant reminder of the ideals upon which the United States was founded and the ongoing struggle to live up to those ideals. The signatories' commitment of "Lives, Fortunes, and sacred Honor" remains a testament to the courage and conviction required to pursue liberty.