Read the excerpt from the declaration of independence by thomas jefferson. we, therefore, the representatives of the united states of america, in general congress, assembled, appealing to the supreme judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states . how does jefferson use ethos as a rhetorical appeal? by establishing the source of the representatives’ authority by describing the elected leaders’ levels of education by explaining the upcoming election of representatives by offering a prayer for the future of the colonies