How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. (2)
Well obviously this is about equality, unless Jefferson is using some fancy wordplay to talk about something else…in which case we've been fools for over 300 years. Jefferson is talking about inherent rights that all human beings have because they're human, rights that should be ensured by their government. Why did he include this idea in a declaration of independence?
Quote #2
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. (6)
Despotism or tyranny should be shut down because it "reduces" its subjects under the government, making them no longer equals. The common people deserve the aforementioned rights just as the people in the government do, and if those rights are not being provided, then it's time to throw the ring into Mount Doom and end the threat of oppression.
Quote #3
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent. (27)
A major reason that the extra taxes were so onerous to the colonists is that they didn't have equal representation in Parliament as citizens in Britain proper had. This complaint is connected the theme of equality, because it illustrates different treatment of the colonists compared to British citizens at home.
Quote #4
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury. (28)
There are several examples of inequality on the list of abuses, but this one brings up the notion of judicial inequality, which you'll see across American history to this day. By bringing this up, Jefferson is saying that the people of the colonies have the same right as citizens in Britain itself to a trial by jury. How has the issue of people getting a fair trial come up in other ways throughout history with regards to the issue of equality?
Quote #5
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. (47)
The final words of the Declaration emphasize the communal ambition of the Declaration itself. The signers are not pledging to a king, or a flag, or even a country, but to "each other." What does that imply about the vision the Founding Fathers had of the United States, compared to the Old World structure?