Declaration of Independence 4 Main Parts

First Part- Introduction States the purpose of the document Explains why American people were declaring independence from the gov’t of Great Britain

Second Part- Theory of Good Gov’t and Individual Rights All individuals created equal in their possession of immutable rights Rights not granted by gov’t, but are inherent to human nature Good gov’t protects these rights Good gov’t based on consent of the governed (the people) If bad gov’t violates this theory, then the people have the right to overthrow it and get a new gov’t

Third Part- List of Grievances/Complaints List of grievances and complaints against King George III- singled out to represent all of British government Examples of actions that violated criteria for good gov’t Justify separation from the King’s bad gov’t and formation of good gov’t to replace it

Fourth Part- Assertion of Sovereignty Declare ourselves a new nation- USA We will defend and maintain independence and rights