What does the phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" signify in the Declaration of Independence?

The phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence encapsulates the fundamental rights that individuals possess, which the government is obligated to respect and protect. This assertion underscores the belief in inherent human rights that are not granted by the government but rather exist naturally.

By promoting the idea that these rights are self-evident and inherent, the Declaration emphasizes that individuals have a right to live freely, make choices about their lives, and seek personal happiness without undue interference from governmental authority. This concept is foundational to the philosophy of government as a protector of rights rather than a grantor, reinforcing the idea that individual rights should remain a primary consideration in the structure and function of governance.

The other options do address important aspects of governance and civic duty but do not capture the essence of the phrase in the context of the Declaration. They either focus on specific legal rights or responsibilities rather than the broader notion of personal freedoms that the phrase represents.