TOPIC #4 — THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Historical circumstances:

What body actually voted on and proclaimed the Declaration of Independence?

Who was primarily responsible for drafting the text the Declaration of Independence?

          In what circumstances?

          With what results?

Q1:     What is the structure of argument in the Declaration of Independence?

Q2:     Does the argument of the Declaration borrow more from the political philosophy of Thomas Hobbes or of John Locke?

Q3:     Is the argument of the Declaration strictly anti-monarchical in nature? (Or could its argument be used in support of the legitimacy of a monarchical government?)

Q4:     Is the argument of the Declaration strictly pro-democratic in nature? (Or could its argument be used to oppose the legitimacy of a democratic government?)