Dylan,

Welcome to the philosophy forum, natural law and the declaration of independence, interesting google. Well, this is the intro thread, so welcome aboard the good ship philosophy forum, enjoy!! boagie

Nataral law can be interpreted in different ways; Hobbes's state of nature is much different, for example, than is Rousseau's. The Constitution, and Declaration of Independence owes much to the writings of John Locke. An brief discussion of Locke' political philosophy can be found here:
Locke's Political Philosophy (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

See also the following:
Jefferson writes the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence is adumbrated by the Second Treatise of Government by using John Locke's ideas that the people had a right to dissolve their current government if they were subject to certain grievances from the sovereign

Once you have read the above, please don't hesitate to ask further questions in the forums.

Regards,
John

Thank you for the help. Also if any one would have any more articles on the Declaration and Natural Law, that would help; I am also looking into how the they both can give a meaning to life. I am trying to address this question

What Assumption about ethical Knowledge fits the declaration. Can these assumptions be defended by argument?

I am taking the stance that Jefferson uses Lock's ideas, the stoics, Natural Law. I know that I will have to dispute Relativism, that's fine. Any input thoughts would be good. No extremist view though.

Warm welcome dylan6-0! Thanks for joining and hope you enjoy the forums.

This is simply an introduction forum so let's not allow this to get into a full discussion. However have put a lot of in such a small post. Please take one question or assertion and place it under the best fit forum. Others can then discuss it depth.

Again, welcome and hope you enjoy the community.