Which document was a major influence on the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was significantly influenced by Enlightenment philosophies, particularly the ideas of thinkers such as John Locke. Locke's concepts of natural rights—the belief that individuals are entitled to life, liberty, and property—provided a foundational framework for the Declaration's assertion of human rights. The Enlightenment emphasized reason, individualism, and the notion that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, which are reflected in Thomas Jefferson's writing in the Declaration. The reference to "unalienable rights" within the Declaration embodies these Enlightenment principles, underscoring the philosophical background that led to the American colonies' pursuit of independence.

While other documents listed, such as the Bill of Rights and the Federalist Papers, played significant roles in American political development, they emerged after the Declaration of Independence and are not direct influences on its content. The Magna Carta is important for establishing principles of governance and legal rights, but it does not encompass the same Enlightenment focus on individual rights and government legitimacy that directly shaped the Declaration.