The Declaration of Independence

Purpose of the Declaration To formally separate from Great Britain State our philosophy The British government was not protecting our rights In fact it was abusing our rights State our reasons Specific grievances were given Unfair taxation Unfair harassment

Parts of the Declaration Preamble States the purpose of the document States the philosophy behind the action

Parts of the Declaration Declaration of Natural Rights Rights of Men Life Liberty Pursuit of Happiness

Parts of the Declaration Declaration of Natural Rights Purpose of government To protect the rights of the citizens The people have the right to change the government if that government no longer protects those rights

Parts of the Declaration A list of grievances

Parts of the Declaration Resolution of Independence A free and equal nation Just like the other nations of the world

Guarantees listed in the Declaration Equality Equality of OPPORTUNITY All people are assured of a FAIR CHANCE Equality of OUTCOME All people are assured of the same standards of living

Guarantees listed in the Declaration Rights Powers and privileges governments GIVE to citizens Unalienable Rights Rights that NATURALLY exist and cannot be given or taken away by any government

Guarantees listed in the Declaration Life Liberty Freedoms of action and thought which governments cannot give or take away

Guarantees listed in the Declaration Pursuit of Happiness To be able to try to achieve the highest levels possible

Guarantees listed in the Declaration Democracy Governmental power comes from the citizens!