1. Declaration of Independence
4 Main Parts

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

3. 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

4. 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

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