Does the “borrowing” of political ideas diminish the stature of a politician or of a document like the D of I, such as Thomas Jefferson?

1. Does the “borrowing” of political ideas diminish the stature of a politician or of a document like the D of I, such as Thomas Jefferson? Why or why not?

2. How would you describe the structure and language of the D of I? Why was this structure effective? Which word, phrase or part of the document do you find particularly effective?

3. How did the rhetoric of the AR, especially in the D of I, challenge the natural social order of the colonies? What segments of society in the new American republic might be affected by this change? Select at least 1 of these groups upon which to focus your response.