Which two rights are highlighted in the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence prominently highlights the rights to life and liberty as fundamental to the American ethos. These two rights reflect core principles that influenced the founding of the United States, asserting that all individuals are inherently entitled to live freely and pursue their own paths without undue interference.

The mention of life emphasizes the importance of individual existence and the protection of one’s life from harm. Liberty signifies the freedom to act, speak, and think without restraint, which is essential for personal autonomy and democratic governance. As articulated in the Declaration, these rights are considered unalienable, meaning they cannot be taken away or given up, underscoring the belief that they are inherent to all humans. This framework laid the groundwork for both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which further elaborated on and protected individual freedoms and liberties within the legal structure of the nation.

In contrast, the other rights mentioned in the options—such as fraternity, peace, justice, safety, and happiness—while significant in various contexts, are not explicitly stated as fundamental rights in the Declaration of Independence, thus making the emphasis on life and liberty distinct and foundational to the core message of this historic document.