Which document proclaimed the doctrine of inalienable rights?

The Declaration of Independence is the document that proclaimed the doctrine of inalienable rights. This significant historical text, drafted by Thomas Jefferson in 1776, states that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, specifically life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The concept of inalienable rights refers to rights that cannot be surrendered, transferred, or taken away, as they are intrinsically tied to human existence.

The Declaration serves as a foundational statement about the principles of individual rights that the United States is built upon and expresses the idea that the authority of government is derived from the consent of the governed, emphasizing that individuals possess inherent rights simply by being human. This principle has been essential in shaping American political philosophy and law and has been referenced in various legal contexts and documents following the Declaration.

Other documents mentioned, such as the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Articles of Confederation, do discuss rights and liberties, but they do not explicitly systematize the idea of inalienable rights in the same foundational manner as the Declaration. The Constitution establishes the framework of government, while the Bill of Rights guarantees specific freedoms, and the Articles of Confederation served primarily as a precursor governing structure.