We have largely evolved past the notion of the divine right of kings, but many people still resist or fail to fully comprehend or accept the concept that all men have equal rights simply because they are men.

Too often today, the concept seems to be that electoral majorities have rights over minorities.  The "voice" of the people (as expressed in "democratic" election) has become the voice of God.  Vox populi, vox Dei.

The American Declaration of Independence articulated the sophisticated (and revolutionary for its time) concept of the equal and inalienable rights of a self-sovereign people, that became the defining and signature characteristic of Americanism.

The Declaration of Independence articlulated unequivocally that ALL men (and not just kings or politicians) have certain equal and inalienable rights - and that among them are the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Clearly, this was a ground-breaking recognition that governments are man-made social constructs, and not the product of divine wisdom or edict.

Further, it was stipulated that government governs ONLY with the consent and permission of the individuals being governed.  It is the people, individuals, who grant permission, priviledge, and authority to government - not the other way around.

The American Declaration set it forth clearly, that the only proper function of government is to preserve and secure the natural human rights that all of us have, and which can not be separated from any of us.

 Go to next lesson ...>>