The Pros And Cons Of The Declaration Of Independence

The fourth of july in 1776 America declared independence. A nation once wrought with suppressive, autocratic control of a king who had little interest in the welfare of his colonial subjects, began to shed its repressive chains and step aboard the ship of liberty with an impregnable hull. The banners waved. The crowds cheered. Then, the blood soaked the continent. An entire generation of brave, young men was lost to the cruelty of warfare due to their belief in America. Men, women, and children did not give their lives for the expansion of territory, the resolution of a royal feud, or the acquisition of valuable resources. They died for the hope of a democratic future, a fervent sentiment so strong that it provides the impetus for triumph in

Yet, this supposedly inevitable fate did not occur, and the worn, tired American troops, despite lacking significant training in comparison to the expertly prepared and equipped British ‘redcoats,’ rose above and dominated. What allowed them such unprecedented victory? It was the American democratic spirit that pushed the soldiers to endure until the surrender at Yorktown, that pushed fifty-six people to sign the Declaration of Independence, that pushed young revolutionaries to dump tea in Boston Harbor, and that pushed the pilgrims to settle at Plymouth Rock. This government “of the people, by the people, and for the people” (Abraham Lincoln) is the cornerstone of the past, present, and future of America and embodies the core values of this country for the battles engaged throughout United States’ history both domestically and internationally symbolize the ever enduring struggle for

As a former leader of the free world, President Obama evidences and clarifies the benefits and defining qualities of a democracy that encourages for the formation of more democratic forms of government.“Governments that respect the rights of their citizens and abide by the rule of law do better, grow faster, draw more investment than those who don’t” (President Obama). This respect not only establishes a peaceful relationship between the government and its people but also allows freedom to reign. This analysis of the effects of democracy on human rights is necessary, for it is quite evident that in authorities and monarchies these same freedoms are not granted. In addition, regardless of the turmoil felt in the beginning of democratic revolutions, democracies lend way to more peaceful periods for their is a defined succession of power that is difficult to challenge. From the U.S. inauguration of 1801, this country is a paragon of something “fundamental to any healthy democracy: a peaceful transition of power”(Laskowski). Additionally, in the analysis of the economic benefits, “the top 25 richest countries in the world (as ranked by the World Bank) are also fully established democracies,” often due to free-market system of capitalism where companies and individuals can trade without government