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

Answers from the USCIS list

Give this answer.

• Declaration of Independence

Our explanation

Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence in 1776. He wrote that everyone has the right to life, liberty (freedom), and the pursuit of happiness. "Pursuit" means trying to get something.

Remember it

Not the Constitution! "Life, Liberty, Happiness" is the Declaration. The Constitution starts with "We the People."

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide p. 49: "Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson wrote that everyone has the right to: life; liberty; and the pursuit of happiness."

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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