Choose one of the following texts to analyze. Common Sense by Thomas Paine The Declaration of Independence The Preamble to the Constitution The Bill of Rights In your analysis, identify the purpose of the text and then explain how the author uses rhetorical features and/or arguments to accomplish this purpose. Use textual evidence to support your answer. Your response will be graded according to this rubric.

The Declaration of Independence<br /><br />Purpose: The purpose of the Declaration of Independence is to formally declare the thirteen American colonies' independence from Great Britain. It serves as a statement of the colonies' intent to establish themselves as a sovereign nation, free from British rule.<br /><br />Rhetorical Features and Arguments: The author, Thomas Jefferson, uses several rhetorical features and arguments to accomplish the purpose of the text. Some of these include:<br /><br />1. Emotional appeal: The Declaration of Independence appeals to the emotions of the readers by highlighting the injustices and abuses suffered by the colonists under British rule. It evokes a sense of anger, frustration, and a desire for freedom and justice.<br /><br />2. Logical reasoning: The text presents a logical argument for independence, stating that when a government becomes destructive of the people's unalienable rights, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it and establish a new government. This argument is based on Enlightenment principles of reason and natural rights.<br /><br />3. Ethos: The Declaration of Independence establishes the credibility and authority of the signers by stating that they are representatives of the united colonies. This helps to strengthen the overall argument for independence.<br /><br />4. Repetition: The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrase "He has..." in the list of grievances against King George III, emphasizes the numerous wrongs committed by the British government and reinforces the justification for independence.<br /><br />Textual Evidence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This statement reflects the Enlightenment principles of natural rights and the belief that individuals have inherent rights that cannot be taken away by any government.