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The Declaration of Independence
USCIS Civics · Question 11 of 128

The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in what founding document?

Official Answer

Declaration of Independence

In plain English

The words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” are in the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote these famous words in 1776. They say every person has the right to live, to be free, and to look for happiness. These words are in the Declaration of Independence.

From the archives

The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of IndependenceNational Archives, via Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Image: The Declaration of Independence — National Archives, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain.Answers verbatim from USCIS M-1778 (09/25)