This series is written by a private citizen with an abiding
interest in U.S. history and particularly its founding
documents: The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution.
“Unalienable” or “Inalienable?” Which one’s correct? Adams
challenged Jefferson on the correct spelling when the
Declaration of Independence was being drawn up. Jefferson stood
firm and the document, as printed and signed, says
“unalienable.” But both have the same meaning. It has been said
that the Declaration of Independence was the promise, the
Constitution the fulfillment. There is no question but what the
two documents are inseparable in any reasonable evaluation of
the founding of the United States. They both contributed
mightily to what became the freest nation the world has ever
known. Many are familiar with the quotation the phrase
“unalienable rights” is a part of, but few will appreciate its
true significance. Filling in the rest of the clause, it states
that ” ... among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of
happines