"This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject; i[n] terms so plain and firm...." Thomas Jefferson to Henry Lee - May 8, 1825
As a combat vet who returned to school at 35yrs of age, I carry a pocket Constitution & try my hardest to bring awarness to my fellow classmates on the state of our current affairs (at odds w/ the Constitution). This is a frustrating endeavor but this video will help immensly in it's clarity & straight forwardness. Thank you!
Thank you for posting this. As a Canadian I have watched in grief as so many today spoiled by our modern lifestyle have forgotten what true freedom is. I look back at the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom being counted without respect or honour. True freedom is not a hedonistic self serving, have your own way, view of life. America is being torn down from within and seems without a moral compass. The same is true for Canada, our Creator judges us for our sins. God always corrects in love to save us from our own human nature. We all need a humble spirit and a truly repentant heart. What would the signers of the Declaration think of what has happened to the America they founded? God help all of us to wake up. Thank you again for this post.
An amazing video. I am a Canadian, but seeing this video can really explain how important the foundations of a nation really is, and sir, you have done an exceptional job in analyzing and explaining these concepts.
Amazing video. I went through public school, public college, and private medical school, with never once being explained the Decleration or Constitution in such a simple and precise way. Thank you.
Thanks for your enthusiastic response. We need everyone "on board" for Liberty. Glad you are out there living your life, seeking out these principles and sharing with others.
Not only are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution to be interpreted together, but also the Federalist Papers, the Articles of Confederations, other letters and correspondence of the Founding Fathers as well as 230+ years of jurisprudence.
I'd say you are correct up to a point. If you want to include "230+ years...", you should also include the ancient Greek and the Biblical sources. It gets all encompassing. Others would argue that "case law", what you call "230+ years...", is a major departure from natural law, from which rights are derived, and saying that "such and such" is okay because we said it was once before" or saying "I can't rule if that was right or wrong because nobody else has yet ruled on it" seems a bit self defeatist in some regards.
@@mrwooster8571 Generally, yes as it is nature (living, self defense, protection from others). What we as humans dirive from that is centuries of debate long. But when you boil it down, basic right are just that... basic. To that end, if a person rules they can take a life at will because it was ruled in a previous case, it becomes suspect as it violates a natural law. From three it can be open for debate and reasoning can be applied.
Thanks sharing this. We have had others from Britain and Europe weigh in with similar sentiments. Magna Carta of 1215 is such a huge document of freedom and liberty that sowed the seeds as did many other things from GB heritage to produce the Declaration. Thank God for the giants of freedom that GB has produced through the centuries. Churchill, Wilberforce, CS Lewis, Tolkein, George Williams of the YMCA, Baden Powell founder of the Boy Scouts, Wycliff, Knox of Scotland (if I might include him), William Wallace, the Puritans, and so many others.
Well done Mr. Seibert. I committed the Declaration to memory when I discovered philosophy at age 19 because the gravity of the document demanded it. So my eyebrows rose when I read this video's title. But I'm happy to say that I have no quarrel with your exposition. I always had thought of the Declaration as being in 6 parts. As you say, just in words different from my own: 1) *The acknowledgement*. ...To the opinions of men, that such a move must be explained and reasons given for it, which is echoed later by, "Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes...". In other words, we Americans aren't crazy. We have our reasons, and it was important to TJ that reasons be given in exacting detail. The opinions of free and equal men ought be respected, especially when such a radical action is being taken. 2) *The Lockean theory*. We are, by divine right, free and equal men, to be contrasted sharply with the pretend "divine right of kings". Free men shouldn't tolerate, and are in fact duty bound to abolish any system of rule which would reduce them to slaves. For proof, read our list: 3) *The list*. For those who think the revolution amounted to a bunch of rich white men who didn't want to pay their taxes, pay special attention to TJ's list. It still is one of the most damning indictments of a tyrant ever put into words. And there have been more egregious tyrants in history, sadly. 4) *The Declaration*. One of the most moving and inspiring things I've ever read. 5) *The pledge*. Our Lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. The second most inspiring thing I've ever read..? 6) *The signatures*. I have to include this because every man enumerated at the bottom of that page knew he was signing his death warrant. The way the king killed traitors in those days...damn, it makes the monsters of ISIS look like schoolyard bullies. However, I part with you from the connection to the Constitution. Sorry, but that document was not rooted in the consent of the governed, but rather written behind locked doors by a bunch of professional government men with competing interests. It was the first bad compromise, where we went from free and equal men, to some folks being 60% human. Somewhere I have a source which quotes the great Patrick Henry as saying, "I smell a rat" regarding this. I would've been with Monroe; I wouldn't have wanted to ratify that instruction manual for overreaching central government! Without the prodding of TJ (who was in France, drinking wine like a wannabe sophisticate) and a few others, Madison never would have included a list of rights for the governed. Then there is my great historical heartbreak. Jefferson, who as a young man I have an unmatched degree of admiration for, turned into a very contradictory hot mess. TJ, it appears, given the legislation he tried to pass as a young man, was an abolitionist. Those measures failed, and he chickened out. He began compromising the beautiful idea that we all are free and equal and governed by our consent until he was barely recognizable by his end. Still, you gave a great account of one of my favorite documents. I wish you all a solemn 9-11 day folks. It's a day for remembering who we are. Even with our uncomfortable compromises and grave mistakes, we are better than our enemies, who still are those whose ideas evince a design that would reduce us under absolute despotism. Be well, Ken
+Inaccessible Cardinal Finally, an opinion I disagree with that is nonetheless intelligent. I see lots of dumb stuff on the net, and that isn't. I agree that Jefferson got lost. I think he was a bit radical - he lost the value of the individual in his pursuit of the republic, and one of his most famous quotes gives me palm-face. The US Constitution fully challenges and restricts the authority of federal government. If the original draft did not, the Bill of Rights did a great job - 9th and 10th Amendments especially. The failure is of the Federal Government, most especially the Judicial Branch, to adhere to it, and the failure of the People to rein in the Government on its failure. Perhaps the great weakness of the US Constitution is that no real check is made on its decisions. It is checked by the Constitution, which says what it says and cannot get up and slap sense into the Supreme Court; and it is checked by the Executive Branch by control of appointments. Shudder. So we were bound to wind up in this hole, and having a mass media, it would be extremely difficult to establish a legitimate new check on the the judiciary. I think it's very important to note that the men elected by the people to be in congress, to make a constitutional convention, did something very important for the people. The power of the governed given to the government was specified in context of a bill of rights. It says the government has the power given it and no other power, and all other power remains with the States and the People, and then enumerates certain specific rights. Now the Constitution has a force that transcends that of the People. Why? To maintain their rights above and beyond their knowledge/ignorance of those rights themselves. So if today for example, let's say a large percentage of the People do not understand the fundamental power structure of a nation state composed of human beings and laws, and do not believe that owning firearms is necessary. Assume they think it's okay for the federal government to track owners and to restrict certain citizens from having guns. Then that creates an open pathway for the total confiscation of weapons and the oppression of the sovereign People by a government that is too powerful. But the US Constitution explicitly states that the power of force is the right of the People - not of Government or even State Government to infringe. That is a stroke of continuity with the Declaration about the just abolition of government by the People. Also the US Constitution did a beautiful job of balancing power by separation which keeps any group from becoming too powerful. It is a republic, if we can keep it. There would have to be a very good case made to overturn anything in the Constitution, and it has rarely been done. I need to go back and hit the rights thing again - The Declaration does not determine rights - it admits of recognizing those rights which exists objectively. The Constitution itself does that very thing, meaning that the democratically legitimate opinion of the People could not change it because the US Constitution is the Law, not the opinion of the People. The framers saw the need to uphold truth as the greatest good of the People, often against the People themselves because democracy serves the majority, not the truth. The Constitution put our national power structure squarely beyond the reach of the People, short of revolution, and made it the servant of perennial truth. That is the true genius of our nation because anyone else(say France) would make an extreme and radical departure and put the power completely in the hands of the People, reducing us to a majority rule state with all kinds of travesties against minorities and against the truth(like, say, France), and would bring about a cycle of bloody conflict and multiple tyrannies and republics(France). I promise I wasn't thinking about France when I pointed this out - it just came to me that France was a good, not-perfect, counter-example.
Daniel Harting Well said Daniel, but I think we might part ways on more things than what you delineated. The Constitution is basically a manual for turning a free people into a slave race, governed by ...well, look at it today, and that's not even it's final form. I wouldn't have ratified that rag; I'd have been in the street like Patrick Henry saying "I smell a rat". Monroe was on my side at least; I tip my hat to that guy. It only took 10 years to turn "all men are equal" into "some men are 3/5ths human". The constitution was a mistake,and typical of what "well-meaning people" do when they get into government. As noble as TJ's words are, he didn't live by them. Hell, as president, he basically conducted the Louisiana purchase unilaterally (I think he even tried to recruit private funds for it). Here, we see that "governments deriving their powers from the consent of the governed" has turned into the kind of nonsense we see everyday now: "we'll make it law, and they'll thank us for it". So much for "the consent of the governed". The problem is government in general,and what it does to men who pursue offices. Men in government are there because they want to govern you. Never forget that. "They know best"; just smile and nod. Obviously, if we are sane then we know that they don't know best. TJ didn't know best either, in spite of his poetic chops. Be well, your local "anarchist": Ken out.
Inaccessible Cardinal Hey, I understand the 3/5ths point - but I'm pretty sure it was a compromise addition - abolitionists wanted to have slave states in the union in order to abolish slavery. The point of the constitutional convention is also well-taken, and I don't know enough to say one way or the other - I just look at the document and say look at the system. The structure keeps power divided and restricts government to only one or two facets of the national life, leaving everything else to the original state governments, and to the people. So the people really are free - until Wilson lets creep in, which Roosevelt expands. It would not have enslaved us if we had played our part, and if the Supreme Court had not made such half-witted, too-big-for-its-britches rulings.
Daniel Harting And all of the supreme court's actions lately were sanctioned by the constitution. My attitude, there should have been a bill of rights and that's it; other than that, keep the articles of confederation.
Inaccessible Cardinal Oh, the problem with that is that the government could corner and pidgeonhole a person's rights away - that is why no one thought it a good idea to enumerate all their rights. I have to agree that there's a rat in wanting a stronger central government. I think there is a positive to it, though. But I completely disagree that the Constitution sanctions anything like what the court has done - the healthcare law was completely unconstitutional - it is neither the duty of the government to manage healthcare, nor to mandate it. Roberts approved it, I hear, based on "interstate commerce". That's BS. The Gay marriage ruling was extraordinary overreach - an attempt to define reality. The government really should have no say on it, and if two people want to live together, well, they will do what they want. Even back to Brown vs. Board of Education - the government tried to force an artificial change that both blacks and whites complained about it because it was impractical. And every argument for restricting guns has been ridiculous and full of contingencies that do not exist(like the duty of government to regulate society and every activity of society). I really don't think the Constitution can allow the Court to contradict it.
And now ir 2020..Trump is the best president we've ever hadand the Democrats have turned on weed the people sold us out to illegals and Muslims this could indeed be the 7 year tribulation we were warned about in revelation for the evil Democrats have their way they will enslave all Americans and give them a choice take the mark of the beast tour will behead you it's coming maybe it's got to come to pass I'm not sure only the Good Lord knows...
Thanks for the clear and concise overview of this founding document. Are there states that don't require the Declaration and Constittion to be taught in schools? You can 90% of Americans don't know this, but I teach U.S. History in Illinois, which requires all students to study these and pass a test before graduating 8th grade and high school. I agree, EVERY American should understand the principles within these documents. Thanks again.
Great job sir! It is clear they wanted people to be able to redress grievances. In the following years many issues have been addressed. . . . Slavery, sufferage, etc. These principles are timeless. Our unalienable rights should be upheld at all cost. Again thank you. Dave
This year at University (in Scotland) we are studying the history of America. I have to write a short essay on the Declaration of Independence and also provide a short presentation. This video has been exceptionally helpful, thank you for taking the time to produce and upload the video.
Medina, that is so awesome. Thank you so much for commenting. Welcome to America and the United States. It says a lot about your character and about your interest in freedom and liberty that you are out trying to learn more about the country you are making a home. Over the years we have received comments from people of other lands - Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ukraine, Russia, and others. Best wishes on earning your GED. Use www. USCivicsTraining . Org To see all of these UA-cam videos in an organized format. God Bless CM
Excellent way you summarized the Declaration of Independence in ~ 400 key words omitting only the abuses of King George III. "Life Liberty & Pursuit of Happiness" happiness as I understand it means the right to own, use and dispose of property as you see fit, free from taxation (which is theft), regulation (which diminishes the value of your property without just and due compensation) or other onerous restrictions. You accurately and succinctly summarized the many abuses of King George, many of which we are experiencing now from an increasingly distant, bloated and tyrannical Federal Government which has become a Corporation unaccountable to the People and no longer functioning under the common law and without the checks and balances which were protections on individual liberty it was created to protect. Only an educated public will be able to do anything about these current abuses but those who know will make a difference!
3:33 - Craig explains what happiness means in context of the document. We find a confirmation of that in one of the purposes of the USA found in the Preamble to the US Constitution, "promote the general Welfare," which means, "To advance the well-doing, well-being, health, blessings, exemption from evil or calamity, prosperity, and happiness of humanity." An early draft of the Declaration said "Life, Liberty, and Property," and upon Ben Franklin's suggestion, it was changed. IMO much better because certainly property is included in your day-to-day free living to pursue your happiness
Great Job! Very clear and to the point. Our founding fathers thought long and hard about this one. I did not know that our states were considered as equal to Britain's statehood. According to our founding fathers our states should be independent and sovereign. Not under the federal government at all.
That's what they tried to do with the Articles of Confederation; but it was a total failure. One main reason why they drafted the Constitution was to unite the colonies as one nation with a federal government.
***** Would it not be interesting to suppose, that all states of the USA be created as Sovereign states. Perhaps Free Trade agreements, passports, slavery, immigration of certain races, different currencies, etc., would foment wars and peace and mutual defense agreements; to the end that a much different Constitution might be created, to end all the bickering. I suspect it would come to fruition; perhaps at a later time; definitely different. . Food for thought . ad iudicium
Greetings from Anaheim CA 🙌 thank you for the explanation of the declaration of independencia I am overwhelmed was not expecting it so well 👍God bless 🙌
Thanks for letting me know. That is so encouraging to hear your story and that the content of this video was helpful. Over the years we have had viewers from Netherlands, Canada, Great Britain and dozens of other countries. The Scots-Irish however played a key role in the formation of our ideas on liberty and the resolve to fight for those ideas. I hope your presentation goes well.
There is a very very holy letter that Rabbi Nachman wrote on the day of the battle of Trafalgar. It mentions the 17th of Tammuz which in 1776 fell on July fourth. The letter was found in 1922 when 17th of Tammuz falls on Bastille day. Gd definitly considers this declaration justification enough to allow the rebuilding of the third temple. People of truth are all from Jacob. (Jews are from Josef).
The most important concept of American Government is that your rights derive from your Creator, not your government, and, should your government fail to secure these rights, you are honor bound to change or abolish it, replacing said governance with whatever form best furthers the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
hear. hear... well said John. And in the US case the Declaration and Constitution are still great documents that are timeless if they are actually followed. The issue is the corrupt leaders who have corrupted the systems and put us all under arbitrary law of judges, executives and bureaucrats.
On the pursuit of happiness the content creators absolutely right I don't see how it could be misconced into anyone thinking otherwise but it does seem to be in some cases which is not only alarming but quite confusing to me the pursuit of happiness is to be to be able to pursue a better life to make you more happy thus not infringing on the rights of the others in the pursuit of them making theirselves happy thus creating a happy society amongst each other it's pretty simple right 👍🇺🇸
+SophiaRosette Glad that you and Mrs. Tierney's 8th grade class where here ! Go Mrs. Tierney. What City and State are you in ?! Cherish these liberties. No other country in the world has a document like the Declaration of Independence. Have a great week and good luck on exams. CM
+Saul Contreras Thanks for your kind remarks.... have a great life too !!! May we all influence those around us toward these principles of liberty, freedom and faith.
Jesus Burgos Voting is nonsense... if you take part in an electronic fraudulent election... you must take responsibility for your support of the fraud...
It's why we have a 2nd amendment, but the criminal Politicians call us radical if we carry a firearm. We dont need permission from the radical tyrants in Government to use our second amendment to abolish tyrants within. If people are waiting for someone else to remove tyrants within it's never going to happen. We are the politicians boss,they do as we say or we remove them,not by vote but physically.
The fact about the sovereign states is good to know. Quite interesting how they viewed the "States" then. Ive always been wondering why it aint called a federal republic. Very informative video. Best regards from Germany.
you are welcome.. thanks for your enthusiastic response. i also pray that the concepts here not only help you do well on your report but seep deep down into your being. these truths of freedom and liberty are unique in all the world. be a person that cherishes them. our culture unfortunately has forgotten them. be a world changer.
1) Rights are concepts, they embody the principles and values of a society. They are an agreement among individuals within a society that basic, fundamental, rules about what a sovereign person ought to be able to do, with respect and in concordance to the rights of other individuals. They are not metaphysical nor are they positively abstract, they are based on an understanding of reality. 2) CONTINUED.
great job cmseibert, i wish more would watch this video,you explain so well, are you a teacher? well should be, you schooled me, and the first part has so much todo whats goin on today! thanks..
Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution both were rooted from the Magna Carta. I read Declaration of Independence each year for 40 years, it is the most beautiful writing. It really woke up the people in the 13 States to fight against the Britain (their parent country). It's the best propaganda document ever written in history. It's not a legal document, It is a propaganda paper. The funny part is that you do not feel it's a propaganda. Jefferson is such a great writer.
Thank you so much for this video! I found it extremelly helpful =) I've been trying to study this document along with other texts (Common Sense, the Olive Branch Petition and many more...) since I'm doing a History exam in a few hours! I'm a nervous wreck!!!! Your video has been a huge help! Thanks a lot indeed!!
Although we are losing more and more rights every day...it is the very document itself, and tenet of it which TheJord1985 does not believe in, that gives him/her the "freedom" to SAY that they dont believe in it. That in and of itself deserves respect and admiration. The premise of which our Republic was formed is the belief that you can believe/practice your rights as long as they don't infringe on the beliefs/rights of others. Herein lieth the truth!
@kurryAN25 I am from Canada as well but now I am an American citizen and these documents are truly amazing when you read them because they cover literally everything. Sadly, most American's don't even know what is in the Declaration of Independance...hopefully this video can be passed around so that maybe it can put some interest into people in learning the History of this country.
Morals and values should be left to the society at large to decide upon, not the government. I have read and enjoyed Thomas Sowell's 'Intellectuals and Society', which an excellent critique of the current form of intellectual elitism in America.
2) The main purpose for the institution of government (and in my opinion, the only even moderately justifiable one) is so that one man may not have to fear another. In essence I would agree with Locke's (second treatise) interpretation of the purpose of government, but not his assertion that rights come from a creator. Rights are justified by their own merits, the existence or absence of a creator does not add or subtract to the quality of rights as social constructs based in reality.
What disturbs me, and should disturb every American today, is how many of the grievances against King George are applicable to Washington, DC, today. Just sayin'....
Are applicable to the tyrannical Democrats who have gone absolutely ballistic, and have lost their minds, like out of control Demons, because they have never given our President the respect his office deserves. They have systematically destroyed our economy with their relentless pursuit of baseless investigations, impeachments, destroying Flynn, who was absolutely innocent, and has been absolutely cleared of wrongdoing, but they didn't care, and even laughed.
P.S. remember: Wheresoever we live, that is our country. No other Nation currently would let their beliefs and ways of life be taken away. Freedoms = Fight and Unite. PLEASE remember this or try against another Nation and let us know how it works out.
Mynamegoeshereee Hello Mr. Ferris's class. You simple statement of "Mr. Ferris's class was here" made me chuckle. I hope the video was helpful for you and that you "cherish" these concepts in your heart and pass them on to others. Liberty can be lost if it is not learned and passed on. Be difference makers. CM
cmseibert Yeah dude my class for Participation in Democracy is learning this stuff and we're using your video for the lessons to learn how to understand it. Good job at executing the info and not making it rocket science for us guys lol
When I think of the government today in america, I believe we have strayed from the path of the Declaration, but not so much that it should give rise to rebellious thoughts. I just keep thinking of how much WORSE the government could be, and give thanks everyday that it isn't.
The refusal of King George III to allow the colonies to operate an honest money system, which freed the ordinary man from the clutches of money manipulators, was the prime cause of the Revolution. - Benjamin Franklin
If you want to understand the Declaration, and the ideas that this nation was founded on, study John Locke and read the English Bill of Rights. If you read the English Bill of Rights, you'll find sections of it were implemented into our Constitution basically verbatim. For example, look at the English Bill of Rights: "excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted;" and compare it to the Eighth Amendment: "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."
I am sorry you think so. it is the anchor of all of our freedom and liberty. We are the only country in the world that has a document at the foundation of our government that says our "rights are God Given", that government is not the final authority, and how we can be the most free people on earth. I hope some day you "cherish these truths". They are the only truths that will keep you, your children, and grand children free.
You forgot the Connection between the Declaration and the Constitution most vital Point, 2nd. Amendment, "The Right To Bare Arms". Without it the document is toothless. This is the far sightedness of Jefferson for future generations, he provided the means by which we could be able to protect our freedoms.
@cmseibert The evidence that the equality clause was speaking of men as groups or political societies starts in the 1st paragraph. It speaks of "people" who dissolve the political bands which unite them with another people, for the sake of assuming among the powers of the earth the separate and EQUAL station which the laws of Nature and Natures God entitle them. Notice the "them". Jefferson was speaking on behalf of 13 states and their right to self government, not individuals.
The essence of government is power. "“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence - it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.” ~ George Washington. If this is true, then there needs to be a universal standard that exists outside of humankind itself to appeal to and to keep government power in check. For anyone that really wants to understand this, i invite you to read Washington's Farewell Address. It is profound. Ask for it at USCivicsTraining . org
@66605 I don't find any compelling evidence that the statement of equality was meant for groups. It is very clear that the phrase, "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" was meant for the individual. The context is that "all men are created equal, with certain unalienable rights."... this is very clear language to the individual. On the slavery issue, they were British subjects, the Declaration was set forth as an ideal, the minority that did hold slaves released them.
Glad to have you Mrs. Marvels Class. She must be Marvelous :) . What City and State is your school in? I hope that the information was helpful and inspirational to all of you. You now carry an important seed of liberty with you. Cherish it. CM
Thats a funny comment that made me smile. Those that know and love history will either know what you are talking about and chuckle too or they should seek to find out
cmseibert I love history! Your explanations were very clear to me. I have a replica of Declaration and when you were reading it I followed along with my replica
Awesome... Glad to know that video(s) are helpful. If we simply applied some of the original concepts of our founding documents we all would be a lot more free. Spread Liberty !!! May your passion inspire others.
cmseibert yeah if people understand key concepts of something, they can understand it easier Thank you for sharing because now I have a better understanding now.
The way you are carrying on in the states at the moment , I imagine there are some that wished the British had never left. Indeed the actions of a couple of days ago are very similar to the actions of the British army in retaliation for an action in Canada by some yanks.
Union310.... thanks for weighing in... Boy you sure have that right... British rule is looking pretty good with the fastly rushing in FACISM of Big Government, Big Tech, and Big Corporations... There is becoming a fusion of the 3 whose goal is to SQUASH desenting opinions... Free speech is being assaulted in the USA... We are living 1984... the only news is what the authorities say it is.... There is a lot more to the capital breach than the mainstream news will say... Including embedded BLM and Antifa members dressed as supporters of the President... (not saying that others got carried along in the maylay) The conflict between Globalist power brokers and against their own people is indeed escalating... The Declaration of Independence is as relevant now as it ever has been.... It speaks of truth that is FOR ALL PEOPLE, AT ALL TIMES, EVERYWHERE!
@title1teacher I agree with you about the source of rights, but, the same can be said of peoples or political societies. The Declaration of Independence was speaking of the rights of states not individuals. Its purpose was to explain the separation and liberty of the13 American colonies from the state of Britain. Why would individual rights be part of the discussion? Americans objected to being governed by a foreign legislature. This was a group thing not an individual thing.
![The Declaration of Independence, EXPLAINED [AP Government FOUNDATIONAL Documents]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BVctfLkuUxk/mqdefault.jpg)
![The Declaration of Independence, EXPLAINED [AP Government FOUNDATIONAL Documents]](/img/tr.png)
"This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject; i[n] terms so plain and firm...."
Thomas Jefferson to Henry Lee - May 8, 1825
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As a combat vet who returned to school at 35yrs of age, I carry a pocket Constitution & try my hardest to bring awarness to my fellow classmates on the state of our current affairs (at odds w/ the Constitution). This is a frustrating endeavor but this video will help immensly in it's clarity & straight forwardness. Thank you!
Thank you for posting this. As a Canadian I have watched in grief as so many today spoiled by our modern lifestyle have forgotten what true freedom is. I look back at the sacrifices of those who fought for freedom being counted without respect or honour. True freedom is not a hedonistic self serving, have your own way, view of life. America is being torn down from within and seems without a moral compass. The same is true for Canada, our Creator judges us for our sins. God always corrects in love to save us from our own human nature. We all need a humble spirit and a truly repentant heart. What would the signers of the Declaration think of what has happened to the America they founded? God help all of us to wake up. Thank you again for this post.
Eh?
What kind of dim-wit would give a thumbs up to such a worthless comment?
Praise God and thank you for another great work Mr. Seibert!
Thank you! I hope one day I will be able to become a man that will uphold these truths to make our country whole.
An amazing video. I am a Canadian, but seeing this video can really explain how important the foundations of a nation really is, and sir, you have done an exceptional job in analyzing and explaining these concepts.
Amazing video. I went through public school, public college, and private medical school, with never once being explained the Decleration or Constitution in such a simple and precise way. Thank you.
Thanks for your enthusiastic response. We need everyone "on board" for Liberty. Glad you are out there living your life, seeking out these principles and sharing with others.
Not only are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution to be interpreted together, but also the Federalist Papers, the Articles of Confederations, other letters and correspondence of the Founding Fathers as well as 230+ years of jurisprudence.
I'd say you are correct up to a point. If you want to include "230+ years...", you should also include the ancient Greek and the Biblical sources. It gets all encompassing.
Others would argue that "case law", what you call "230+ years...", is a major departure from natural law, from which rights are derived, and saying that "such and such" is okay because we said it was once before" or saying "I can't rule if that was right or wrong because nobody else has yet ruled on it" seems a bit self defeatist in some regards.
@@bsabruzzo Is 'natural law' fixed?
@@mrwooster8571 Generally, yes as it is nature (living, self defense, protection from others). What we as humans dirive from that is centuries of debate long. But when you boil it down, basic right are just that... basic.
To that end, if a person rules they can take a life at will because it was ruled in a previous case, it becomes suspect as it violates a natural law.
From three it can be open for debate and reasoning can be applied.
As someone from Britain I loved hearing this
Thanks sharing this. We have had others from Britain and Europe weigh in with similar sentiments. Magna Carta of 1215 is such a huge document of freedom and liberty that sowed the seeds as did many other things from GB heritage to produce the Declaration. Thank God for the giants of freedom that GB has produced through the centuries. Churchill, Wilberforce, CS Lewis, Tolkein, George Williams of the YMCA, Baden Powell founder of the Boy Scouts, Wycliff, Knox of Scotland (if I might include him), William Wallace, the Puritans, and so many others.
It's been keeping the King out of our face for 200+ years
Well done Mr. Seibert. I committed the Declaration to memory when I discovered philosophy at age 19 because the gravity of the document demanded it. So my eyebrows rose when I read this video's title. But I'm happy to say that I have no quarrel with your exposition.
I always had thought of the Declaration as being in 6 parts. As you say, just in words different from my own:
1) *The acknowledgement*. ...To the opinions of men, that such a move must be explained and reasons given for it, which is echoed later by, "Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes...". In other words, we Americans aren't crazy. We have our reasons, and it was important to TJ that reasons be given in exacting detail. The opinions of free and equal men ought be respected, especially when such a radical action is being taken.
2) *The Lockean theory*. We are, by divine right, free and equal men, to be contrasted sharply with the pretend "divine right of kings". Free men shouldn't tolerate, and are in fact duty bound to abolish any system of rule which would reduce them to slaves. For proof, read our list:
3) *The list*. For those who think the revolution amounted to a bunch of rich white men who didn't want to pay their taxes, pay special attention to TJ's list. It still is one of the most damning indictments of a tyrant ever put into words. And there have been more egregious tyrants in history, sadly.
4) *The Declaration*. One of the most moving and inspiring things I've ever read.
5) *The pledge*. Our Lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. The second most inspiring thing I've ever read..?
6) *The signatures*. I have to include this because every man enumerated at the bottom of that page knew he was signing his death warrant. The way the king killed traitors in those days...damn, it makes the monsters of ISIS look like schoolyard bullies.
However, I part with you from the connection to the Constitution. Sorry, but that document was not rooted in the consent of the governed, but rather written behind locked doors by a bunch of professional government men with competing interests. It was the first bad compromise, where we went from free and equal men, to some folks being 60% human. Somewhere I have a source which quotes the great Patrick Henry as saying, "I smell a rat" regarding this. I would've been with Monroe; I wouldn't have wanted to ratify that instruction manual for overreaching central government! Without the prodding of TJ (who was in France, drinking wine like a wannabe sophisticate) and a few others, Madison never would have included a list of rights for the governed.
Then there is my great historical heartbreak. Jefferson, who as a young man I have an unmatched degree of admiration for, turned into a very contradictory hot mess. TJ, it appears, given the legislation he tried to pass as a young man, was an abolitionist. Those measures failed, and he chickened out. He began compromising the beautiful idea that we all are free and equal and governed by our consent until he was barely recognizable by his end.
Still, you gave a great account of one of my favorite documents. I wish you all a solemn 9-11 day folks. It's a day for remembering who we are. Even with our uncomfortable compromises and grave mistakes, we are better than our enemies, who still are those whose ideas evince a design that would reduce us under absolute despotism.
Be well,
Ken
+Inaccessible Cardinal Finally, an opinion I disagree with that is nonetheless intelligent. I see lots of dumb stuff on the net, and that isn't.
I agree that Jefferson got lost. I think he was a bit radical - he lost the value of the individual in his pursuit of the republic, and one of his most famous quotes gives me palm-face.
The US Constitution fully challenges and restricts the authority of federal government. If the original draft did not, the Bill of Rights did a great job - 9th and 10th Amendments especially. The failure is of the Federal Government, most especially the Judicial Branch, to adhere to it, and the failure of the People to rein in the Government on its failure. Perhaps the great weakness of the US Constitution is that no real check is made on its decisions. It is checked by the Constitution, which says what it says and cannot get up and slap sense into the Supreme Court; and it is checked by the Executive Branch by control of appointments. Shudder.
So we were bound to wind up in this hole, and having a mass media, it would be extremely difficult to establish a legitimate new check on the the judiciary.
I think it's very important to note that the men elected by the people to be in congress, to make a constitutional convention, did something very important for the people. The power of the governed given to the government was specified in context of a bill of rights. It says the government has the power given it and no other power, and all other power remains with the States and the People, and then enumerates certain specific rights. Now the Constitution has a force that transcends that of the People. Why? To maintain their rights above and beyond their knowledge/ignorance of those rights themselves.
So if today for example, let's say a large percentage of the People do not understand the fundamental power structure of a nation state composed of human beings and laws, and do not believe that owning firearms is necessary. Assume they think it's okay for the federal government to track owners and to restrict certain citizens from having guns. Then that creates an open pathway for the total confiscation of weapons and the oppression of the sovereign People by a government that is too powerful. But the US Constitution explicitly states that the power of force is the right of the People - not of Government or even State Government to infringe. That is a stroke of continuity with the Declaration about the just abolition of government by the People.
Also the US Constitution did a beautiful job of balancing power by separation which keeps any group from becoming too powerful. It is a republic, if we can keep it. There would have to be a very good case made to overturn anything in the Constitution, and it has rarely been done.
I need to go back and hit the rights thing again - The Declaration does not determine rights - it admits of recognizing those rights which exists objectively. The Constitution itself does that very thing, meaning that the democratically legitimate opinion of the People could not change it because the US Constitution is the Law, not the opinion of the People. The framers saw the need to uphold truth as the greatest good of the People, often against the People themselves because democracy serves the majority, not the truth. The Constitution put our national power structure squarely beyond the reach of the People, short of revolution, and made it the servant of perennial truth. That is the true genius of our nation because anyone else(say France) would make an extreme and radical departure and put the power completely in the hands of the People, reducing us to a majority rule state with all kinds of travesties against minorities and against the truth(like, say, France), and would bring about a cycle of bloody conflict and multiple tyrannies and republics(France). I promise I wasn't thinking about France when I pointed this out - it just came to me that France was a good, not-perfect, counter-example.
Daniel Harting Well said Daniel, but I think we might part ways on more things than what you delineated.
The Constitution is basically a manual for turning a free people into a slave race, governed by ...well, look at it today, and that's not even it's final form. I wouldn't have ratified that rag; I'd have been in the street like Patrick Henry saying "I smell a rat". Monroe was on my side at least; I tip my hat to that guy.
It only took 10 years to turn "all men are equal" into "some men are 3/5ths human".
The constitution was a mistake,and typical of what "well-meaning people" do when they get into government. As noble as TJ's words are, he didn't live by them. Hell, as president, he basically conducted the Louisiana purchase unilaterally (I think he even tried to recruit private funds for it). Here, we see that "governments deriving their powers from the consent of the governed" has turned into the kind of nonsense we see everyday now: "we'll make it law, and they'll thank us for it". So much for "the consent of the governed".
The problem is government in general,and what it does to men who pursue offices. Men in government are there because they want to govern you. Never forget that. "They know best"; just smile and nod. Obviously, if we are sane then we know that they don't know best.
TJ didn't know best either, in spite of his poetic chops.
Be well, your local "anarchist": Ken out.
Inaccessible Cardinal Hey, I understand the 3/5ths point - but I'm pretty sure it was a compromise addition - abolitionists wanted to have slave states in the union in order to abolish slavery.
The point of the constitutional convention is also well-taken, and I don't know enough to say one way or the other - I just look at the document and say look at the system. The structure keeps power divided and restricts government to only one or two facets of the national life, leaving everything else to the original state governments, and to the people. So the people really are free - until Wilson lets creep in, which Roosevelt expands.
It would not have enslaved us if we had played our part, and if the Supreme Court had not made such half-witted, too-big-for-its-britches rulings.
Daniel Harting And all of the supreme court's actions lately were sanctioned by the constitution.
My attitude, there should have been a bill of rights and that's it; other than that, keep the articles of confederation.
Inaccessible Cardinal Oh, the problem with that is that the government could corner and pidgeonhole a person's rights away - that is why no one thought it a good idea to enumerate all their rights.
I have to agree that there's a rat in wanting a stronger central government. I think there is a positive to it, though.
But I completely disagree that the Constitution sanctions anything like what the court has done - the healthcare law was completely unconstitutional - it is neither the duty of the government to manage healthcare, nor to mandate it. Roberts approved it, I hear, based on "interstate commerce". That's BS.
The Gay marriage ruling was extraordinary overreach - an attempt to define reality. The government really should have no say on it, and if two people want to live together, well, they will do what they want.
Even back to Brown vs. Board of Education - the government tried to force an artificial change that both blacks and whites complained about it because it was impractical.
And every argument for restricting guns has been ridiculous and full of contingencies that do not exist(like the duty of government to regulate society and every activity of society). I really don't think the Constitution can allow the Court to contradict it.
Thank you so much for sharing! I know a lot more than I ever knew about this great document. I am 71 yrs old, better late than never!
Some 8th grade history class's were here!!! lol this was part of our homework, we had to answer the questions that correspond with this video :)
And now ir 2020..Trump is the best president we've ever hadand the Democrats have turned on weed the people sold us out to illegals and Muslims this could indeed be the 7 year tribulation we were warned about in revelation for the evil Democrats have their way they will enslave all Americans and give them a choice take the mark of the beast tour will behead you it's coming maybe it's got to come to pass I'm not sure only the Good Lord knows...
@@randynewman2601 that just gave me cancer . if you cant speak right than chances are you shouldnt be speaking at all .
@@randynewman2601 cringe
Thanks for the clear and concise overview of this founding document. Are there states that don't require the Declaration and Constittion to be taught in schools? You can 90% of Americans don't know this, but I teach U.S. History in Illinois, which requires all students to study these and pass a test before graduating 8th grade and high school. I agree, EVERY American should understand the principles within these documents. Thanks again.
How unfortunate that JB Pritzker and the Illinois house and Senate don't follow the Constitution.
I stumbled across this because my son is doing a report for his class. What excellent thoughts and concepts. Couldn't agree more.
Thank You for doing this,This will help lot's of peolpe that need to know or constitution and why this country is so great.
Thanks dear neighbor for this vid. All credit to our Heavenly Father how we find truth when seeking truth:)
Great job sir!
It is clear they wanted people to be able to redress grievances.
In the following years many issues have been addressed. . . . Slavery, sufferage, etc.
These principles are timeless. Our unalienable rights should be upheld at all cost.
Again thank you.
Dave
This year at University (in Scotland) we are studying the history of America. I have to write a short essay on the Declaration of Independence and also provide a short presentation. This video has been exceptionally helpful, thank you for taking the time to produce and upload the video.
Thank you so much. I just moved to America from Sweden and I'm working on my GED, and I think that your explanation is amazing. I finally get it!
Medina, that is so awesome. Thank you so much for commenting. Welcome to America and the United States. It says a lot about your character and about your interest in freedom and liberty that you are out trying to learn more about the country you are making a home. Over the years we have received comments from people of other lands - Canada, Mexico, Netherlands, Germany, Great Britain, Ukraine, Russia, and others. Best wishes on earning your GED. Use www. USCivicsTraining . Org To see all of these UA-cam videos in an organized format. God Bless CM
Excellent way you summarized the Declaration of Independence in ~ 400 key words omitting only the abuses of King George III. "Life Liberty & Pursuit of Happiness" happiness as I understand it means the right to own, use and dispose of property as you see fit, free from taxation (which is theft), regulation (which diminishes the value of your property without just and due compensation) or other onerous restrictions.
You accurately and succinctly summarized the many abuses of King George, many of which we are experiencing now from an increasingly distant, bloated and tyrannical Federal Government which has become a Corporation unaccountable to the People and no longer functioning under the common law and without the checks and balances which were protections on individual liberty it was created to protect.
Only an educated public will be able to do anything about these current abuses but those who know will make a difference!
3:33 - Craig explains what happiness means in context of the document. We find a confirmation of that in one of the purposes of the USA found in the Preamble to the US Constitution, "promote the general Welfare," which means, "To advance the well-doing, well-being, health, blessings, exemption from evil or calamity, prosperity, and happiness of humanity."
An early draft of the Declaration said "Life, Liberty, and Property," and upon Ben Franklin's suggestion, it was changed. IMO much better because certainly property is included in your day-to-day free living to pursue your happiness
Once again, excellent work on explaining to people what it means and why it is such an important part of history.
Amazing video. This is great as a teaching resource, and as a way of improving one's knowledge, of course.
Thanks Ilse - learn it, live it, share it.... For Liberty !!!
Thank you very much for posting this video.
FREEDOM!
Great Job! Very clear and to the point. Our founding fathers thought long and hard about this one. I did not know that our states were considered as equal to Britain's statehood. According to our founding fathers our states should be independent and sovereign. Not under the federal government at all.
That's what they tried to do with the Articles of Confederation; but it was a total failure. One main reason why they drafted the Constitution was to unite the colonies as one nation with a federal government.
*****
Would it not be interesting to suppose, that all states of the USA be created as Sovereign states.
Perhaps Free Trade agreements, passports, slavery, immigration of certain races, different currencies, etc., would foment wars and peace and mutual defense agreements; to the end that a much different Constitution might be created, to end all the bickering. I suspect it would come to fruition; perhaps at a later time; definitely different.
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Food for thought
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ad iudicium
Thank you so much for making this video!!!! this helped me with my homework thanks a million!!!
+Token Black You are so welcome. Cherish the Declaration. It is unique in all the world. Read it each year. Commit part of it to memory. CM
Greetings from Anaheim CA 🙌 thank you for the explanation of the declaration of independencia I am overwhelmed was not expecting it so well 👍God bless 🙌
Greetings back to you. I am glad it exceeded expectations.. Share it with others. Spread the ideas of liberty throughout the land.
Love the way you break it down, very nice 👍
You are welcome... glad you found that video and found it helpful.
Great video, thank you
I, personally, really need to study our incredible founding documents... and this video is extremely helpful.
Thanks for letting me know. That is so encouraging to hear your story and that the content of this video was helpful. Over the years we have had viewers from Netherlands, Canada, Great Britain and dozens of other countries. The Scots-Irish however played a key role in the formation of our ideas on liberty and the resolve to fight for those ideas. I hope your presentation goes well.
There is a very very holy letter that Rabbi Nachman wrote on the day of the battle of Trafalgar. It mentions the 17th of Tammuz which in 1776 fell on July fourth. The letter was found in 1922 when 17th of Tammuz falls on Bastille day. Gd definitly considers this declaration justification enough to allow the rebuilding of the third temple. People of truth are all from Jacob. (Jews are from Josef).
i just to let u know the declation of independence is actually majority based on THE TREATY OF OISTINS IN BARBADOS 1652
Im so happy you did this video, thank you! Everyone that see's this should pass it on! =)
The most important concept of American Government is that your rights derive from your Creator, not your government, and, should your government fail to secure these rights, you are honor bound to change or abolish it, replacing said governance with whatever form best furthers the pursuit of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
hear. hear... well said John. And in the US case the Declaration and Constitution are still great documents that are timeless if they are actually followed. The issue is the corrupt leaders who have corrupted the systems and put us all under arbitrary law of judges, executives and bureaucrats.
On the pursuit of happiness the content creators absolutely right I don't see how it could be misconced into anyone thinking otherwise but it does seem to be in some cases which is not only alarming but quite confusing to me the pursuit of happiness is to be to be able to pursue a better life to make you more happy thus not infringing on the rights of the others in the pursuit of them making theirselves happy thus creating a happy society amongst each other it's pretty simple right 👍🇺🇸
I'm in my mid 50s. I didn't pay attention in civics. I'm now ready to learn about my great country. Better late than never.
Taught those Brits how Freedom is done right!
They consider americans as the rebellious bastards.
Mrs. Tierney's 8th grade class was here!
+SophiaRosette Glad that you and Mrs. Tierney's 8th grade class where here ! Go Mrs. Tierney. What City and State are you in ?! Cherish these liberties. No other country in the world has a document like the Declaration of Independence. Have a great week and good luck on exams. CM
+SophiaRosette facedesk
You have a good caring teacher. 😊
Thank You! This Helped Me A LOT on my school project!!
This helped me so much on a report that i am writing, i know that i am now going to ace this. Ttthankyou soooo much!!!
Excellent, excellent summary and breakdown. Thank you for conveying these concepts!
13 years later and here I am right before my Declaration of Independence test for 11th grade American history
our professor showed us this video in the class today... it's a very interesting video
love it. Never more necessary than right now.
This is more relevant now in 2020 then ever.
Thank you for the tutorial!
amazing job explaining all of this have a good life.
+Saul Contreras Thanks for your kind remarks.... have a great life too !!! May we all influence those around us toward these principles of liberty, freedom and faith.
This helped me for my quiz today thx
Luis,.... thx for letting me know. Always love to hear from students and to know that the content helped them. Hope your quiz goes well. CM
its sad how our Government is right now how the declarations warns us or tells us to abolish.... change is coming, its up to us to make it happen!
Come 2014 vote all those who pervert the constitution out of office and those who put this country into welfare
Jesus Burgos Voting is nonsense... if you take part in an electronic fraudulent election... you must take responsibility for your support of the fraud...
M K am I late to respond 4 years later
🤣
It's why we have a 2nd amendment, but the criminal Politicians call us radical if we carry a firearm. We dont need permission from the radical tyrants in Government to use our second amendment to abolish tyrants within. If people are waiting for someone else to remove tyrants within it's never going to happen. We are the politicians boss,they do as we say or we remove them,not by vote but physically.
5 years later, and the abuses continue and exacerbate
The fact about the sovereign states is good to know. Quite interesting how they viewed the "States" then. Ive always been wondering why it aint called a federal republic.
Very informative video.
Best regards from Germany.
Thank you so much for making this video! This helped me understand a LOT!
you are welcome.. thanks for your enthusiastic response. i also pray that the concepts here not only help you do well on your report but seep deep down into your being. these truths of freedom and liberty are unique in all the world. be a person that cherishes them. our culture unfortunately has forgotten them. be a world changer.
1) Rights are concepts, they embody the principles and values of a society. They are an agreement among individuals within a society that basic, fundamental, rules about what a sovereign person ought to be able to do, with respect and in concordance to the rights of other individuals. They are not metaphysical nor are they positively abstract, they are based on an understanding of reality.
2) CONTINUED.
great job cmseibert, i wish more would watch this video,you explain so well, are you a teacher? well should be, you schooled me, and the first part has so much todo whats goin on today! thanks..
Thank you for your enthusiastic response. I hope your exam goes well.
Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution both were rooted from the Magna Carta. I read Declaration of Independence each year for 40 years, it is the most beautiful writing. It really woke up the people in the 13 States to fight against the Britain (their parent country). It's the best propaganda document ever written in history. It's not a legal document, It is a propaganda paper. The funny part is that you do not feel it's a propaganda. Jefferson is such a great writer.
All excellent stuff (incidentally, I'm British).
Thank you so much for this video! I found it extremelly helpful =)
I've been trying to study this document along with other texts (Common Sense, the Olive Branch Petition and many more...) since I'm doing a History exam in a few hours! I'm a nervous wreck!!!! Your video has been a huge help! Thanks a lot indeed!!
We need to teach our children this information because our failure of a school system isn’t.
Oh ok. That's pretty much what I do all the time and I'm in the process of doing. Thank you for your answer WSRman33. Have a GREAT day. :)
Although we are losing more and more rights every day...it is the very document itself, and tenet of it which TheJord1985 does not believe in, that gives him/her the "freedom" to SAY that they dont believe in it. That in and of itself deserves respect and admiration.
The premise of which our Republic was formed is the belief that you can believe/practice your rights as long as they don't infringe on the beliefs/rights of others. Herein lieth the truth!
Good job 👍🏼
Madeline... thanks for the THUMBS UP. Keep the fire of liberty burning in your heart and share it with others.
@kurryAN25 I am from Canada as well but now I am an American citizen and these documents are truly amazing when you read them because they cover literally everything. Sadly, most American's don't even know what is in the Declaration of Independance...hopefully this video can be passed around so that maybe it can put some interest into people in learning the History of this country.
Great, simple and well made video. Thanks for sharing :)
Love your videos and keep up the great work!
Steve, Thanks. Have a great Independence Day !
cmseibert Have a Great Independence Day yourself Sir!
I love this thank you my friend for breaking it down. in layman's terms
Mrs Marvels class was here 8th grade!
This is great thank you!
Your welcome... I hope you carry these ideas around in your heart and share them with others.
Morals and values should be left to the society at large to decide upon, not the government. I have read and enjoyed Thomas Sowell's 'Intellectuals and Society', which an excellent critique of the current form of intellectual elitism in America.
2) The main purpose for the institution of government (and in my opinion, the only even moderately justifiable one) is so that one man may not have to fear another.
In essence I would agree with Locke's (second treatise) interpretation of the purpose of government, but not his assertion that rights come from a creator. Rights are justified by their own merits, the existence or absence of a creator does not add or subtract to the quality of rights as social constructs based in reality.
What a great country.
Thumbs up if your History teacher send u here as assignment. :-)
What disturbs me, and should disturb every American today, is how many of the grievances against King George are applicable to Washington, DC, today. Just sayin'....
Are applicable to the tyrannical Democrats who have gone absolutely ballistic, and have lost their minds, like out of control Demons, because they have never given our President the respect his office deserves. They have systematically destroyed our economy with their relentless pursuit of baseless investigations, impeachments, destroying Flynn, who was absolutely innocent, and has been absolutely cleared of wrongdoing, but they didn't care, and even laughed.
Anybody from Mrs. Mckay's class here?
Ryan Redjaian hahaha not me!
Ryan Redjaian hahaha me neither!!
Les go Mrs. Tierney's 8th grade class
P.S. remember: Wheresoever we live, that is our country.
No other Nation currently would let their beliefs and ways of life be taken away. Freedoms = Fight and Unite.
PLEASE remember this or try against another Nation and let us know how it works out.
Well explained video for non american
the SUBSCRIBE button is OVER the 'Like' button so I couldn't click on it
If you know what the fundamental principles in civics is, do you know which one is used in the making of the declaration?
Hope you don't mind pointing me to a great and reliable resource. I'm interested in studying all those documents. Thank you, have a great day!
Mr Ferris's class was here
Mynamegoeshereee Hello Mr. Ferris's class. You simple statement of "Mr. Ferris's class was here" made me chuckle. I hope the video was helpful for you and that you "cherish" these concepts in your heart and pass them on to others. Liberty can be lost if it is not learned and passed on. Be difference makers. CM
cmseibert Yeah dude my class for Participation in Democracy is learning this stuff and we're using your video for the lessons to learn how to understand it. Good job at executing the info and not making it rocket science for us guys lol
Mynamegoeshereee That is very encouraging. Tell all the other dudes "hello" for me. What City and State does the Fabulous Mr. Ferris hold his classes.
Hawaii, Waipahu. Haha I'll tell them
Danimal damn your school is in Waipahu ours is in town in Honolulu area, were using this video too! That’s so cool
When I think of the government today in america, I believe we have strayed from the path of the Declaration, but not so much that it should give rise to rebellious thoughts. I just keep thinking of how much WORSE the government could be, and give thanks everyday that it isn't.
The refusal of King George III to allow the colonies to operate an honest money system, which freed the ordinary man from the clutches of money manipulators, was the prime cause of the Revolution. - Benjamin Franklin
Always keep an open mind and a compassionate heart. _Phil Jackson
which of the three major parts of the declaration of independence is the most importan??????????????????
If you want to understand the Declaration, and the ideas that this nation was founded on, study John Locke and read the English Bill of Rights. If you read the English Bill of Rights, you'll find sections of it were implemented into our Constitution basically verbatim. For example, look at the English Bill of Rights:
"excessive bail ought not to be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted;"
and compare it to the Eighth Amendment:
"Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted."
I am sorry you think so. it is the anchor of all of our freedom and liberty. We are the only country in the world that has a document at the foundation of our government that says our "rights are God Given", that government is not the final authority, and how we can be the most free people on earth. I hope some day you "cherish these truths". They are the only truths that will keep you, your children, and grand children free.
You forgot the Connection between the Declaration and the Constitution most vital Point, 2nd. Amendment, "The Right To Bare Arms". Without it the document is toothless. This is the far sightedness of Jefferson for future generations, he provided the means by which we could be able to protect our freedoms.
I’ve been reading and listening about it but still haven’t found out where it says that we have to pay them when they aren’t doing thier jobs
@cmseibert
The evidence that the equality clause was speaking of men as groups or political societies starts in the 1st paragraph. It speaks of "people" who dissolve the political bands which unite them with another people, for the sake of assuming among the powers of the earth the separate and EQUAL station which the laws of Nature and Natures God entitle them. Notice the "them". Jefferson was speaking on behalf of 13 states and their right to self government, not individuals.
How about that list @ 6:35? Sounds almost like the contemporary government, no?
Also this should be mandatory in all schools around the nation.That's just my opinion.
The essence of government is power. "“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence - it is force! Like fire, it is a dangerous servant and a fearful master.”
~ George Washington. If this is true, then there needs to be a universal standard that exists outside of humankind itself to appeal to and to keep government power in check. For anyone that really wants to understand this, i invite you to read Washington's Farewell Address. It is profound. Ask for it at USCivicsTraining . org
@66605
I don't find any compelling evidence that the statement of equality was meant for groups. It is very clear that the phrase, "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" was meant for the individual. The context is that "all men are created equal, with certain unalienable rights."... this is very clear language to the individual. On the slavery issue, they were British subjects, the Declaration was set forth as an ideal, the minority that did hold slaves released them.
Mrs marvels 8th grade class was here
Glad to have you Mrs. Marvels Class. She must be Marvelous :) . What City and State is your school in? I hope that the information was helpful and inspirational to all of you. You now carry an important seed of liberty with you. Cherish it. CM
+Advenure Bros Who is this? And you spelled mrs. Marval's name wrong.
grt jovb of explain all the reasons
thx
This was so good, but you repeated the number 5 so there were actually EIGHT component parts and TEN key concepts
We have the right to overthrow our government.
The dislikes are the hessian mercenaries who disagree
Thats a funny comment that made me smile. Those that know and love history will either know what you are talking about and chuckle too or they should seek to find out
cmseibert I love history! Your explanations were very clear to me. I have a replica of Declaration and when you were reading it I followed along with my replica
Awesome... Glad to know that video(s) are helpful. If we simply applied some of the original concepts of our founding documents we all would be a lot more free. Spread Liberty !!! May your passion inspire others.
cmseibert yeah if people understand key concepts of something, they can understand it easier Thank you for sharing because now I have a better understanding now.
Your welcome !
The way you are carrying on in the states at the moment , I imagine there are some that wished the British had never left. Indeed the actions of a couple of days ago are very similar to the actions of the British army in retaliation for an action in Canada by some yanks.
Union310.... thanks for weighing in... Boy you sure have that right... British rule is looking pretty good with the fastly rushing in FACISM of Big Government, Big Tech, and Big Corporations... There is becoming a fusion of the 3 whose goal is to SQUASH desenting opinions... Free speech is being assaulted in the USA... We are living 1984... the only news is what the authorities say it is.... There is a lot more to the capital breach than the mainstream news will say... Including embedded BLM and Antifa members dressed as supporters of the President... (not saying that others got carried along in the maylay) The conflict between Globalist power brokers and against their own people is indeed escalating... The Declaration of Independence is as relevant now as it ever has been.... It speaks of truth that is FOR ALL PEOPLE, AT ALL TIMES, EVERYWHERE!
@title1teacher
I agree with you about the source of rights, but, the same can be said of peoples or political societies. The Declaration of Independence was speaking of the rights of states not individuals. Its purpose was to explain the separation and liberty of the13 American colonies from the state of Britain. Why would individual rights be part of the discussion? Americans objected to being governed by a foreign legislature. This was a group thing not an individual thing.