what were some of Eldridge Gerry's motivating principals or ideals to sign the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 1

Apparently Eldridge Gerry was the representative from Massachusetts. He was primarily a businessman. His business was shipping and there was likely some profit motive involved in seeking Independence. Most of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were tired of paying taxes to a king that was an entire ocean away.
Gerry also served in the first two Congresses of the U.S. and was criticized for redistricting the state to his advantage in at least one election. The term Gerrymandering comes from him.
His motivation was primarily power and influence.