According to the Declaration of Independence, what three rights are considered unalienable?

Study for the American History Checkpoint 1877-1945 Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each offering detailed hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

The correct answer identifies the three unalienable rights as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, a phrase famously articulated in the Declaration of Independence. This declaration, adopted in 1776, emphasized the belief that these rights are inherent and cannot be taken away or denied by governments. The language reflects Enlightenment principles, particularly those espoused by philosophers like John Locke, who argued that individuals inherently possess rights by virtue of being human.

This understanding was pivotal for the founding of the United States, as it provided a philosophical foundation for governance based on individual freedoms and the idea that the purpose of government is to protect these rights. In this context, the right to pursue happiness is not necessarily about material wealth but about seeking fulfillment and personal well-being.

Other answer choices do not reflect the exact wording or the intent of the Declaration. For instance, the inclusion of "fraternity," "equality, and justice," or "property" alters the essential message of individual rights outlined in the Declaration, deviating from the original text that emphasizes the pursuit of happiness as a central tenet of human rights and freedoms.

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