Which of the following is/are the right/rights mentioned in the 'American Declaration of Independence'?

1. Life

2. Liberty

3. Pursuit of Happiness

4. Fraternity

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The correct answer is 1, 2 and 3.

Key Points

• The United States Declaration of Independence, formally 'The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America', is the pronouncement adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 4, 1776.
• Enacted during the American Revolution, the Declaration explains why the Thirteen Colonies at war with the Kingdom of Great Britain regarded themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states, no longer under British rule.
• With the Declaration, these new states took a collective first step in forming the United States of America. 
• The Declaration of Independence states three basic ideas:
  • God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
  • The main business of government is to protect these rights
  • If a government tries to withhold these rights, the people are free to revolt and to set up a new government

Mistake Points

• Fraternity: This refers to a feeling of brotherhood and a sense of belonging with the country among its people.
  • The idea of Fraternity has been taken from the French Revolution.

Important Points

• French revolution:
  • It was a series of events that happened in France during the 18th century.
  • The French society was divided into three estates, i.e., clergy, nobility, and commoners. There were vast differences in wealth distribution and also inequalities exist deeply.
  • The French revolution happened during Louis XVI's regime.
• Impact of French revolution:
  • End of social division in French society.
  • Declaration of rights of man.
  • Revolutionary ideas like equality, fraternity, freedom, and good governance find a place in France.
  • End of Monarchy.