<P> The concepts in the Declaration come from the philosophical and political duties of the Enlightenment, such as individualism, the social contract as theorized by the Genevan philosopher Rousseau, and the separation of powers espoused by the Baron de Montesquieu . As can be seen in the texts, the French declaration was heavily influenced by the political philosophy of the Enlightenment and principles of human rights as was the U.S. Declaration of Independence which preceded it (4 July 1776). </P> <P> The declaration is in the spirit of "secular natural law", which does not base itself on religious doctrine or authority, in contrast with traditional natural law theory, which does . </P> <P> The declaration defines a single set of individual and collective rights for all men . Influenced by the doctrine of natural rights, these rights are held to be universal and valid in all times and places . For example, "Men are born and remain free and equal in rights . Social distinctions may be founded only upon the general good ." They have certain natural rights to property, to liberty, and to life . According to this theory, the role of government is to recognize and secure these rights . Furthermore, government should be carried on by elected representatives . </P> <P> At the time of writing, the rights contained in the declaration were only awarded to men . Furthermore, the declaration was a statement of vision rather than reality . The declaration was not deeply rooted in either the practice of the West or even France at the time . The declaration emerged in the late 18th century out of war and revolution . It encountered opposition as democracy and individual rights were frequently regarded as synonymous with anarchy and subversion . The declaration embodies ideals and aspirations towards which France pledged to struggle in the future . </P>

What rights were proclaimed in a declaration of the rights of man