What was a key idea expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

A key idea expressed in the Declaration of Independence is the principle that "all men are created equal." This assertion asserts the foundational belief that every individual possesses the same inherent rights, regardless of their status or background. The Declaration emphasizes the idea of equality as an essential aspect of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which are rights deemed unalienable. This principle was revolutionary at the time, as it challenged the existing notions of monarchy and aristocracy that prioritized the rights of a select few over the many.

The other choices do not align with the central themes of the Declaration. The notion of a strong monarchy contradicts the very purpose of the Declaration, which was to assert the colonies' independence from British monarchical rule. The importance of international trade is a topic that, while significant to the economy, is not a focus of the Declaration's core messages about individual rights and governance. The Federal Reserve, an institution established much later, is related to monetary policy and economics, which is outside the scope of the Declaration's focus on human rights and governmental authority.