The previous section connected passages of the Declaration of Independence to four basic principles: limited government, individual rights, popular sovereignty, and equality. In order to explain these ideas, Jefferson drew inspiration from many sources.

Parts of these concepts can be found in historic agreements made between a people and the government. In particular, the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, and English Bill of Rights all resemble social contracts. Two philosophers from the 17th century, Thomas Hobbes andInteractive popup. Assistance may be required.John Locke, wrote extensively about the social contract, and their ideas are strongly reflected in the Declaration of Independence.

You will learn more about these documents in this version of the tree. Mouse over each root to view information about each document. Pay attention to how each root connects with text from the Declaration and its principles.

Thomas Jefferson clearly did not start from scratch. The Declaration of Independence emerged from an historical and philosophic tradition and would soon have its own place among the great works of its time. In the next section, you will have a chance to see how well you understand the roots.

Reflection: The purposes of government in Locke's Second Treatise on Government are very limited. Government is expected to protect every person's life, liberty, and property. The Declaration of Independence replaces property with pursuit of happiness, which is a much more vague term. How do you think this change affected the expectation of what government is supposed to do? What types of things would violate a person's right to pursue happiness? Write your response using your notes. Click below for a sample reflection.

Replacing property with pursuit of happiness expands the possible role for government in removing barriers to happiness. This could be a lack of an education or a lack of basic necessities like food. It could now be considered the duty of government to provide these things (as our current government does). Of course, this issue is up for debate. There is a difference between having a right to pursue happiness and actual happiness. Government has to guarantee equality of opportunity, not outcome.