Which two rights are emphasized in the Declaration of Independence?

The emphasis on the rights of life and liberty in the Declaration of Independence is central to its message. The document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, asserts that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The inclusion of life highlights the fundamental nature of the right to exist and not face arbitrary deprivation, while liberty represents the freedom to act autonomously without oppressive restrictions. These two concepts strongly reflect the Enlightenment ideals that influenced the founding fathers and underscore the rationale behind seeking independence from British rule.

While concepts like freedom and equality, justice and tranquility, and peace and happiness are important in a broader context, they do not capture the essence as succinctly as life and liberty, which are explicitly stated in the Declaration. Thus, this choice accurately reflects the foundational principles that the document aims to articulate.