Declaration of Independence

This declaration was called the Declaration of Independence. Congress asked Thomas Jefferson to write a declaration, or announcement, explaining why the colonies needed to break away from Britain. Jefferson argued that people are born with rights that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He felt that if your government is not actively protecting these rights, then the people should have the right to start a new government. This declaration was called the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence had five parts. It took Jefferson two weeks to write the Declaration of Independence. When he finished the draft, he had 4 other delegates help edit it.

1. Preamble The Preamble is similar to an introduction. It states why the Declaration is being written – to explain why the colonies must break away from Britain. Jefferson felt that to break away from your government and start a new one, you must have good reasons. © Erin Kathryn 2014

2. Declaration of Rights The second part of the declaration states why people have rights that cannot be taken away. It states all people are equal, and have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. When a government tries to take these rights away from the people, the people have the right to change the government. The people can then form a new government that gives these rights to the people.

3. Bill of Indictment The third section of the Declaration of Independence is the longest section. It states all the complaints that the colonists had against the king. The third section ends by saying the King George III of England was "unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

4. Statement of Independence The fourth section argues that colonies have to be free to protect their rights. It states the colonists’ independence from Britain. This section says the 13 states have the right to make war and peace, to trade, and to do all the things free countries can do.

5. Signatures The last section is at the bottom of the Declaration of Independence. In this section, delegates to Congress signed their names. John Hancock, who was the president of Congress, signed his name in large letters.

On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was voted on and accepted by the Second Continental Congress. Signing the Declaration was considered treason to Britain. Treason is when you go against your own government. Even with the threat of treason, the delegates signed. The Declaration was read aloud to crowds all over the colonies. People cheered and tore down pictures and statues of King George. The Declaration of Independence marked the moment when Americans chose to rule themselves.