(This essay is the fifth in a series of reflections on the meaning of the Declaration of Independence in honor of its 250th anniversary. The series will run until July 4, 2026.) I. “We, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. . .” The final section of the Declaration gives answers that would turn into questions of their own. At the end of its argument, the Declaration declares that the Americans are indeed a “We”—the “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” But the very form of this declaration forces us…

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(This essay is the fourth in a series of reflections on the meaning of the Declaration of Independence in honor of its 250th anniversary. The series will run until July 4, 2026.) I. “Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren.” The Declaration’s case has been made as to why the king’s actions (and inactions) violate the “self-evident” truths which the Americans hold. He has ignored or attacked the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. His government, therefore, has failed “to secure these Rights.”…

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