Treatise Versus Speech

Both John Locke’s Second Treatise on Government and The Declaration of Independence agree upon man unalienable rights, such as liberty and equality. Both documents agree that the British government is in violation of those rights held by the citizens of the American colonies.
Locke approaches his treatise in the manner of a philosopher. He speaks to other learned men and so, seeks to fully explain and defend his positions. To that end his writing is in-depth and wordy. It was meant to be read in a slow deliberate fashion by a man capable of great contemplation. Given the similarity of views established in both Locke’s treatise may be viewed as a manual for the writers of The Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence was meant to be read by all men, and to elicit an emotional response. It was not only a statement of the Congresses views but a call to arms for the American public and a declaration of war to the British monarchy. Therefore it is written in an emotional language and with shorter more definite statements. This document was read aloud often to crowds and this precise, and inspiring style lent itself to moving public speeches.


References:

Locke, John. Second Treatise of Government. 1690. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from: http://ecampus.uwyo.edu/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=2609764&47=1126592&dt=10%2F22%2F2006+8%3A32%3A12+PM&UnitNumber=9&COID=57&UDPK=23683081&UPK=4490939&bhcp=1Jefferson, T. (1776).

Declaration of Independence. Retrieved on October 26, 2007 from: http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html