Imagine traveling from the oppression that transpired from government in Great Britain during the nineteenth century to a foreign land with the hope of living a better life. This life included “freedom and the pursuit of happiness” (Jefferson, 247). This life would also provide a government that allows citizens to dictate how they are governed and that people's opinions are always valued. This new government should be implemented and a set of ethics should be created. This land I am talking about is now considered the United States of America and the foundation of its ethos is the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, is a document that most Americans are familiar with. It is taught to children as early as elementary school. I remember learning the basics as early as second grade, when my teacher had the class put on a play about American history. From a young age I knew that the document was important, but it hadn't occurred to me that it was the basis of American ethics. This document is so important that it is cited in presidential speeches, such as President William Clinton's "Our New Covenant" speech. Clinton's speech follows the ethos established by the Declaration of Independence, but there are areas where the ethos extends beyond the Declaration and areas where previous presidents have departed from that ethos. The character of the United States is illuminated by the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wanted to build a government where the people were free and where the government “derives its power from the consent of the governed, and it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it” (Jefferson, 247). T...... middle of paper ......dence. For example, the “inalienable rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and their “divine rights”. He also referenced adding values ​​to the American ethos that were more relevant to his era. For example, he believes that America takes care of its young people and. He also boldly described past presidents as departing from American ethics. For example, how “Washington turned the American ethos on its head.” I've always wondered what America would be like if our entire government consistently followed American ethics and made decisions based on the voice of the people instead of their own opinions. Cited Clinton, William J. "Our New Alliance." Language matters. Third ed. Southlake: Fountain Head, 2010. 148-58. Print.Jefferson, Thomas. "The Declaration of Independence." Language matters. Third ed. Southlake: Fountain Head, 2010. 247-50. Press.