Which two rights are stated in the Declaration of Independence?

The correct answer highlights two fundamental rights declared in the Declaration of Independence: life and liberty. These concepts are foundational to American democracy and reflect the Enlightenment ideals that influenced the document's authors. The Declaration asserts that every individual is inherently entitled to these rights, which the government must protect. "Life" signifies the right to exist and not be deprived of one's existence unjustly, while "liberty" emphasizes personal freedom and the ability to make choices without oppressive restraint.

The other options, while important in discussions of rights, do not accurately represent this specific foundational document. For instance, "property" refers to ownership but is not included in the primary rights enumerated in the Declaration. The phrase "liberty and the pursuit of happiness" is indeed part of the text, but it fails to mention "life," which is a crucial aspect of the answer. Lastly, "freedom of speech and assembly" relates more to rights guaranteed in the First Amendment of the Constitution, reflecting individual freedoms that were valued but are not articulated as central rights within the Declaration of Independence itself.