What document defined the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and property?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that articulated the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, a principle that underpins the American democratic philosophy. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, this pivotal document announced the American colonies' intention to separate from British rule and highlighted the inherent rights that every individual possesses.

In the Declaration, Jefferson famously stated that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights. This framing emphasizes that these rights are fundamental and cannot be taken away or given up, forming the cornerstone of American political thought and influencing future democratic ideals.

In contrast, the Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which specifically safeguard individual liberties against government infringement but do not define unalienable rights in the same foundational manner. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution for the United States but focused on the structure and function of government rather than individual rights. The Federalist Papers were a series of essays written to support the ratification of the Constitution, discussing the framework of government without laying out a specific enumeration of personal rights.

Thus, the Declaration of Independence not only asserts the existence of these rights but also serves as