Declaration of Independence Writing Assignment

Here is the topic:

Jefferson says "all men are created equal." What does this phrase mean? Equal in what sense? Are a healthy baby and a sick baby created equal?

Any type of help will be appreciated.

Jefferson goes on to list what every (equal) man is allowed to expect (his unalienable rights) I believe he uses the phrase as a way to bring everyone into a sense of oneness, remember at the time alot of states wanted to remain seperate entities and the concept of an united america had yet to be fully realized.

If this assignment is more for a politcial or social studies class this is the route I would go with, not one that draws comparisions on the state of one's health. good luck!

The phrase refers to the "divine right of kings"--the thought that kings are intended to rule by God and any usurpation of that authority is a a sin. Jefferson rebuked that. The Declaration goes on to say, "that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed."

God gives men rights--rights that other men cannot take away. Just governmental power only comes from the consent of those who are being governed.

What class is this for? Do you need to do a short answer or a well-developed essay?