"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The Declaration of Independence, signed July 4, 1776, states the principles on which the government is based. Read the document. Write about it, in light of current events. [Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence, 1823. Find out more about America's Founding Documents at the National Archives.]