What are the concepts in the Declaration of Independence based on?

Answer by  KMcRae (714)

The Declaration of Independence has its roots in the Englightenment thinkers, particularly John Locke. It is based in the concept of Natural Rights which was developed by Locke. This is the basic idea that all men have certain God given rights that cannot be taken away by any government.

Answer by  GilFinn (2065)

The core idea comes from John Locke and it is that man has been given natural rights by God and that governments are formed to protect these rights. When a government no longer protects the rights that man has the right to change the government. Locke wrote several books, which greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson when he penned the Declaration.

Answer by  therealnapster (107)

Thomas Jefferson borrowed many ideas from an English philosopher, John Locke. John Locke wrote earlier on the natural rights of man (i.e. life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness) from this writing Jefferson rephrased Locke's thoughts and used them in the Declaration of Independence. He also used the basic ideas found in Locke's Two Treaties of Government.