What founding document contains the words "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness"?

The Declaration of Independence is the founding document that contains the phrase "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." This document, adopted on July 4, 1776, articulates the core principles of individual rights and government’s role in protecting those rights. The mention of these ideals emphasizes the Enlightenment influence on the Founding Fathers, particularly John Locke's philosophy, which posited the idea that these rights are inherent and must be protected. The Declaration served as a formal statement of the American colonies' intention to separate from British rule, highlighting the importance of personal freedoms as fundamental to the very fabric of the nation.

In contrast, the U.S. Constitution is primarily focused on the framework of government and does not contain this specific phrase. The Bill of Rights, which comprises the first ten amendments to the Constitution, addresses specific rights and freedoms but also does not include this wording. Similarly, the Federalist Papers, a collection of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution, discuss various topics surrounding governance and the principles of democracy but do not contain the phrase "Life, liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."