Essay On Declaration Of Independence And Disagreement

467 Words1 Page
bulb-icon

Recommended: Critique of Declaration of Independence

The United States of America was founded on disagreement. The authors of the Declaration of Independence fought extensively over issues such as foreign policy, natural rights, and governmental structure. As several viewpoints clashed, they synthesized in order to create values that reflected the intentions of all the people. Human ability to disagree is arguably what causes us to progress as a society, as can be seen with the creation of this great document that all people can agree on. However, there comes a point where disagreement can turn into blood feud between opposing ideologies that hinders progress from being made. For that reason, Boorstin’s assertion is correct: Whereas disagreement can lead to Society’s progress and the advancement of people and their ideas, dissent can lead to unnecessary conflict …show more content…

First, in our political system, disagreement is embraced and encouraged. Our governmental structure is set up in such a way that two opposing parties are given fair representation and are able to debate on topics that are relevant. The bills and laws our legislation passes often synthesize ideas from the opposing points-of-view in order to create laws and structure that almost all people can agree on. If a piece of legislation is passed that is not popular amongst the people, though, citizens can protest the government as the Constitution grants the Freedom of Assembly, which ensures happiness for all. For example, the current presidential administration had recently proposed a health care bill that received a strong negative reception from the public and the media. The disagreement in the bill was over the representation and just treatment of lower economic classes. Because of this disagreement, many individuals inside of these neglected economic classes protested and argued, causing amendments and refinements to be made to the proposition

Show More
Related

  • Gettysburg Address Versus Declaration Of Independence

    1477 Words  | 3 Pages

    These two documents of Jefferson and Lincoln’s are different in more ways than they are similar. More specifically, the clear difference between the two in organization and contradiction of arguments that each expresses are what show that the Gettysburg Address and the Declaration of Independence were two documents written on completely different ends of the spectrum. Because of this, the two are just as significant to each other as they are individually to the construction and shaping of America and its rich history. The fact that these two documents are so different from one another is what makes them such great pieces of history. Jefferson’s idea of decentralization and freedom versus Lincoln’s theory of one centralized, unified, and indivisible nation and government represents the change and difference of opinion between two people of different eras in American history. This change and difference of opinion was the result of a growing country and is what was needed in order...

    Read More

  • Disagreement vs Dissent in America

    904 Words  | 2 Pages

    That is why things never get done. In his address, Obama claims that a “robust democracy” demands contentious debate in which people fight for their beliefs. In some respects, he is correct. However, if he includes dissent in this robust democracy, he is gravely mistaken. Dissent ostracizes and condemns individuals because of what they believe in, which is clearly not something a robust democracy demands.

    Read More

  • The Decleration Of Independance: The Declaration Of Independence

    636 Words  | 2 Pages

    There are many events that have happened in our history that have helped shape our country into what it is today. One of those events that helped change our country was the Decleration of Independance. The Declaration of Independence was written on July 4th, 1776. And this document was written so we were separate from England and so we weren’t under their power anymore. It meant that we were going to become a self-governing country. This was the very first big step we took to become our own country. And if we hadn’t have separated from England we wouldn’t be the country we are today. This helped build our nation and bring us closer together so we were united as one. This is when we realized we could be something bigger than what we were.

    Read More

  • Theme Of Collectivism In Ayn Rand's Anthem

    1045 Words  | 3 Pages

    By its use of majority rule, America’s democracy models a collectivist society. Take elections for an example. Although, Americans vote individually, the decision ultimately is based on the country as a whole. The use of majority rule relates to the representation of the ideas of the masses rather than the ideas of the individuals. As expected, there is always a number of people who disagree with the majority's opinions. Disagreement is frowned upon, which Andrew P. Naplitano highlights in his book, It Is Dangerous to Be Right When the Government Is Wrong: The Case for Personal Freedom. Due to America's use of the majority rule, this title often holds true.

    Read More

  • Ap Government Reflection

    967 Words  | 2 Pages

    Democracy is rule by the people; the people elect governing officials based off of their personal values and beliefs. Different political parties rule the political scene and are serving to represent the people’s opinions in the best ways possible. Previously, I had a belief that my political view was essentially the only one possible and therefore it was the best. These views changed quickly once I learned the different political parties, their views, how they represent the people’s views, and how public opinion shapes politics. The government is formed around differentiating opinions on which policies should be in place and which social aspects need to be considered first. Not only is the government guided by opinion, but the people’s lives are guided by opinion as well. Each individual holds a different view, and each view can have an influence on society. Fortunately, after roughly eight weeks of studying American Government, I now have a better sense of complexity and the value of

    Read More

  • America: Our Past, Present, and Future.

    1278 Words  | 3 Pages

    But before this foundation was formed, there was a struggle that had to take place for it to be established. When the english king tried to suppress that freedom the was supposed to have to stood strong, the struggle climaxed and put us into not just a war but a movement, a movement that would end with the creation of the United States. Our fathers founded this nation with the belief in freedom, liberty, justice, equality, and individual responsibility. These are just some of the values and principles that have withstood the test of time and continue to inspire people to this day. When documents like the Declaration of Independence and th...

    Read More

  • Analysis of The Declaration of Independence

    1241 Words  | 3 Pages

    What is the Declaration of Independence? The declaration of independence states that all individuals have inalienable rights, requiring life, liberty, and property, a document by which the thirteen colonies proclaimed their independence from Great Britain. If these rights are not protected, people have the right to abolish the government and institute a new one that is willing to secure those rights and their happiness. The declaration was written by Jefferson when he had the vision that America should be liberal. While liberals wanted to over through the government, conservatives believed that not every person should receive the same privilege, not every person is the same and therefore, not every person should be created equal. America is viewed as a liberal state. Thomas Jefferson once said, “When the people fear the government, there is tyranny, when the government fears the people, there is liberty.” This was the strongest reason for the people to bear arms, so that they can be protected from tyranny in the government. People wanted their independence.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of The Decline Of Radicalism By Daniel J. Boorstin

    424 Words  | 1 Pages

    The author, Boorstin, states that he is on the side of dissent. “I say dissent and not disagreement”. Relating to politics, with a law being passed: People will have a disagreement over the table with the decision to pass the law or the law in general. However, those people who disagree will argue verbally, not dissent and take action with disorder or violence. As Boorstin states, “People who disagree have an argument, but people who dissent have a quarrel”. The quote implies that in order for something to change, action needs to occur. Though, not just any type of action, a type of vicious action that will create change. Argument will

    Read More

  • Reform Movements in Second Great Awakening

    1404 Words  | 3 Pages

    As time passed tolerance of diversity came along with these democratic ideals. They not only changed society, they changed a country on the verge of a civil war. Ultimately, however, because of these ideals and the theology of the Second Great Awakening, the chance of war precipitated and tore a country in two.

    Read More

  • Was The Declaration Of Independence Justified Essay

    938 Words  | 2 Pages

    Was there really a justification for the colonists to rebel? The independence of the colonists was an deceleration of their separation from England. The colonies have accused the King of tyrannize upon the colonials. Though the question here, was the colonies actions justified in separating from England. Or was it that the colonies felt that they just don’t need a king to rule them.

    Read More

  • Oppression In Thomas Paine's America

    1082 Words  | 3 Pages

    We face different challenges and have different beliefs. While we all share a common appreciation for freedom as Americans, unlike Paine, it is not such concord and agreement alone that makes America unique. Rather, it is the diversity, the discord, that has shaped and shapes America today as the great country Thomas Paine envisioned. If all Americans were completely “brought into cordial unison,” there would be no change, no innovation, no desire nor need for betterment. With everyone in agreement, we would be surpassed by all other nations, as we would be satisfied with the ordinary, not striving for the best. While dissent is a danger to America, causing division and preventing progress, it is discord that fuels innovation and leads to improvement and success. Such discord, that Paine rejected in his vision of America, is one of the defining characteristics of today’s America that makes it a world power today, constantly striving to do

    Read More

  • The Compromises of the Founding Fathers in Founding Brothers byJoseph J. Ellis

    644 Words  | 2 Pages

    compromise. Jefferson’s account suggests the growing divide, showing that without a mediator, the ideologies are too far divided to achieve legisla...

    Read More

  • The Arguments of Thomas Paine and James Chalmers Over the Revolutionary War

    735 Words  | 2 Pages

    In conclusion, without struggle and without sacrifice this country would not have gained the independence and prove that united we stand and divide we fall. Thomas Paine quite elegantly put it “however strange it may appear to some, or however unwilling they may be to think so, matters not, but many strong and striking reasons may be given to shew, that nothing can settle our affairs so expeditiously as an open and determined declaration of independence” (Paine 111).

    Read More

  • Extra Penalties for Hate Crimes are Justified

    1101 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...k disagree and learn that disagreement may be a useful and even productive means of growth and acceptance towards a more accepting tomorrow.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On The Declaration Of Independence

    479 Words  | 1 Pages

    Although, the Declaration of Independence was a marker and a commencement of democracy, patriotism and a defined American culture, it has also been a very contentious document and is still a hot-topic of debate today. One reason, for its ambiguous support is due to it completely disregarding the issue of slavery that was highly present in the colonies at the time. The abolition of slavery was a fierce movement in many of the colonies while they drafted it. Many prominent religious groups actively worked to abolish slavery. Some abolitionists were not so caring and had more strategic and political ulterior motives.

    Read More

More about Essay On Declaration Of Independence And Disagreement

Open Document