What are two rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence?

Study for the Civics History and Government Naturalization Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulates foundational principles regarding individual rights. The document famously states that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, which include “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

Choosing "Life and Liberty" as the correct answer highlights two of the core rights emphasized in the Declaration. Life represents the inherent right of individuals to exist and be free from harm, while Liberty encompasses the freedom to act and think independently without oppression. These rights underscored the colonists' grievances against British rule and served as a fundamental justification for seeking independence.

Other options mention rights that, while significant in American values and principles, are not explicitly stated in the Declaration of Independence. Freedom of speech and religion, for instance, are addressed more directly in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution rather than in the Declaration itself. Similarly, while equality and justice are essential principles in the broader context of American democracy, they do not directly appear in the Declaration's text. Happiness is mentioned in conjunction with a person's right to the pursuit of it, but not as a standalone right, emphasizing that the pursuit of happiness is tied to the freedoms of life and liberty

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