In what ways wa the declaration of indepence a great document? what ways was it not? what would you change or?

Question

write differently?

Answer 1

The D of I was great as the new experiment of democracy for a nation.  It guaranteed certain rights upon citizens and gave individual freedom a new face.  It said the h**l with aristocratic rule - we will rule ourselves.

But then again it rants about 'equality' and 'freedom for all' and other broad platitudes while ignoring that sticky question of slavery, let alone disenfranchised women and others.

That was dealt with in the Constitution and another question.

Answer 2

Thomas Jefferson originally wanted to free the slaves in the Declaration but was argued down.  John Adams' wife, Abigail, asked him to "remember the ladies," i. e. to include rights for women in the Declaration, but he didn't.  I'd correct both those oversights.