1. The Declaration of Independence

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. Parts of the Declaration
A list of grievances

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

8. 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

9. 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

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

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

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