Which document declares the rights to "life" and "liberty"?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that specifically declares the rights to "life" and "liberty." This historic text, drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, articulates the fundamental rights that all individuals possess as part of their humanity. It famously states that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, among which are "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This declaration was crucial in establishing the philosophical foundation for American democracy and the value placed on individual rights.

In contrast, while the Constitution and the Bill of Rights do include various protections of rights, they are primarily focused on the framework of government and specific rights afforded to citizens rather than the philosophical assertion of inherent rights. The Federalist Papers are primarily a series of essays arguing for the ratification of the Constitution and do not declare rights themselves. Therefore, the Declaration of Independence stands out as the pivotal document in proclaiming these essential rights.