In order to achieve independence from Great Britain, the forefathers of the United States of America forged a document to pronounce this newfound separation. The creators of the Declaration sought to create a society where men were free to pursue a life of happiness. Under no circumstances did the Declaration of Independence dictate how one should lead their life in “pursuit of happiness.” Now that modern society law is derived from the United States Constitution, the principles of the Declaration are upheld to small extent today. After the French and Indian war in 1754-1763, colonist had a newfound sense of patriotism for America, and started seeing themselves as Americans instead of Englishmen. Because of this, tensions rose between colonist …show more content…
This may lead one to pursue money, leisure, etc. It is not the job of the government to hinder such pursuits. Yet in today’s society, the government limits those in pursuit of love. Although one is free to marry, there are restrictions on what that significant other can be. In 31 states, it is illegal for one to marry someone of the same sex. This helps cut out a portion of citizens whose happiness lies in marrying someone of the same sex. In Baker v. Nelson, the first Supreme Court case to call for same sex marriage, the Supreme Court ruled, “The institution of marriage as a union of man and woman, uniquely involving the procreation and rearing of children within a family, is as old as the book of Genesis.” Although the Supreme Court can use the freedom of religion in their rulings, same sex marriage is a civil right. Based off of the ruling of Loving v. Virginia, marriage is “one of the basic civil rights of man.” By placing restrictions on this right, the government is restricting one’s “pursuit of happiness”, thus not upholding the principles put forth by the Declaration of