What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

The correct answer identifies two fundamental rights that are prominently mentioned in the Declaration of Independence: life and liberty. These rights are articulated as inalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or denied by the government. The Declaration emphasizes the idea that every individual has the inherent right to live freely and pursue their own paths without oppressive restraints.

These rights serve as a foundation for American democracy and reflect Enlightenment ideals, particularly those of philosophers like John Locke, who influenced the framers of the document. The Declaration articulates that the purpose of government is to protect these rights, and that when a government fails to do so, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. This principle represents a core tenet of American values and civil rights.

In contrast, the other options reference rights that are relevant to modern American society and governance but are not explicitly stated in the Declaration of Independence. For example, freedom of speech and assembly is protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution, while education and healthcare are considered social rights but are not included in the foundational documents that established the nation’s independence. Property and happiness, while important concepts, do not appear in the Declaration in the same way as life and liberty do.