Development of the American Experience, Thomas Jefferson

This passage is found on page 136 , left column , fourth paragraph

This passage is used by Thomas Jefferson to argue on the necessity of establishing a government to replace the old structure of governance erected and maintained by the British crown . The passage establishes the basis for the dissolution of the American people 's political bands (Jefferson 136 ) and affiliation with Great Britain by stating that although changes in the government should never be taken lightly it is unfortunate that many people are likely to prefer and even tolerate the wrongdoings and

evil deeds promoted in the existing system for the sake of familiarity . In general , people are afraid of the disruption brought about by systemic changes because they are afraid of uncertainty . However , they have to realize that it is their right to initiate changes in terms of government when there is enough reason to do so , such as wanton abuse of power of leaders or corrupt practices or whenever any form of government becomes destructive ' or poses a hindrance to the achievement of human rights to life , liberty , and the pursuit of happiness (Jefferson 136 ) Jefferson observes that the prevailing conditions under the governance of the present king of Great Britain ' points to such circumstance of injuries and usurpations (Jefferson 137 ) which have severely impeded the political and social life of the American people

Clearly , Jefferson uses this line of argument to convince the people of the morality of self-governance and of declaring independence vis-a-vis the state of being enslaved and virtually dependent on the British for political , social , and economic sustenance . By acknowledging the doubts and difficulties that surround the decision to break the ties with the long time British ruler , Jefferson and his followers wanted to arouse a sense of righteous anger in the face of the historical abuses committed by the king and his government . For instance , he reminds his audience of how the British king has plundered our seas , ravaged our coasts , burnt our towns destroyed the lives of our people (138 ) In effect Jefferson encourages his audience to rise up against the tyrannical form of government imposed by a foreign ruler through the systematic use of violence and violation of human rights . In bringing up the general hesitance of the populace , Jefferson mocks and prods them into recognizing the validity of separation and of establishing their own government as a last resort in the face of the continued refusal of the British king to petitions for redress (139

It is evident from Jefferson 's The Declaration of Independence ' that the need to form an independent government is made inevitable in to protect the inherent rights of the American people from another government which is exploitative and tyrannical . Undoubtedly , it is through this concept of tyranny in governance that societies are able to form their own distinct ideas of what a government or the state of social relations should be like . Thomas Jefferson would later expound on the meaning of tyranny through religious...