Thomas Jefferson explores the idea of happiness, from two different standpoints, in his opening remarks of the Declaration of Independence. Happiness is an obscure concept that one does not immediately associate with governmental rights. In fact, many would define happiness as an increase in pleasures or a freedom from any constraints, such as those that government places on its subjects. It is therefore necessary to analyze the role that happiness plays in the Declaration of Independence. .
The first mention of happiness in the Declaration is in the first sentence of the second paragraph. "The pursuit of happiness" is put forth as an "inalienable right" as a replacement for John Locke's guarantee of property, following the promises of life and liberty. This "right" of happiness cannot be looked at as an idle form of personal pleasure, because it is the type of happiness that governments can institute and protect. It is also not feasible to simply regard this mention of happiness as the happiness found in security for that is mentioned later on in the Declaration. Since the pursuit of happiness follows life and liberty, it is possible to connect the three. Life is the ultimate opportunity provided by G-d. Liberty, too, is a Divine gift, but is protected by a just government. Happiness is the final goal. The pursuit of happiness is in the hands of the individual; however, government has the power to restrict or increase one's happiness. When Jefferson puts forth this Delcaration, which would in fact set the precedent for all later generations, he establishes a governmental responsibility in increasing the amount of happiness available to man now that G-d has given life. .
Happiness appears again in the Declaration in regards to security. This sheds a new light on the meaning of happiness in this document for this usage cannot be interpreted in the same manner, though both forms are types of happiness that government can secure and insure.
