Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776
Founding Document, Founding Fathers Draft Committee Thomas Jefferson Ben Franklin Roger Sherman John Adams Robert Livingston
Part 1: Introduction What is wrong Why they are writing the document GB and America must not be one, but separate and equal nations
Pt. 2: Preamble/Declaration of Rights Self-evident-anyone can see the truth Equality God-given rights: not from man Life: protection Liberty: freedom Pursuit of Happiness: Popular sovereignty: gov’t gets power from the people If gov’t is bad for people, they can abolish it and start a new gov’t Hard decision, much consideration King didn’t protect their rights, leaves them no choice
Pt. 3: Grievances Refused to approve laws Took away representation in the legislature Destroyed local (colonial) gov’t Kept standing armies Put soldiers in people’s house w/o consent Imposed taxes w/o consent of people Had not upheld the law Cut off trade
Pt. 4: Statement of Independence Declare the colonies are, and of Right ought to be, free and independent states Any connection to the King should be dissolved America has full power to declare war, make peace, form alliances, trade, etc