What rights are mentioned in the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence specifically enumerates certain unalienable rights that are fundamental to human existence and the social contract between individuals and their government. The phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" encapsulates these rights, indicating that every person is entitled to live freely and seek their own version of fulfillment and happiness. This statement signifies the importance of individual freedom and the choice of personal fulfillment, forming the philosophical foundation upon which the United States was built. The acknowledgment of these rights provided a moral rationale for the colonies’ desire for independence from British rule, highlighting the belief that governments are established to protect these inherent rights.

In contrast, other choices like freedom of speech and assembly, rights of the accused, and the right to education and healthcare, while important rights in modern governance and law, do not originate from the Declaration of Independence. These rights are traditionally articulated in later documents like the Bill of Rights or various state constitutions, reflecting the evolving understanding of individual rights within American society.