LAD/Blog #3: Declaration of Independence

LAD/Blog #3: Declaration of Independence

1) Some of the democratic principles listed in the opening of the Declaration of Independence include that all men are created equally, with the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; governments (coming from the voice of the people) are created to keep these rights, and if they don't, the people have the right to challenge them; governments should not be altered for slight matters, but if there seems to be an incredibly urgent matter (like despotism), it is the people's right and duty to put an end to it, such as what occurred with Great Britain.

2) The colonists made the king aware of many grievances. Some of these included imposing taxes without consent, keeping armies in the colonies during times of peace without consent, dissolving representative houses when people opposed his policies, cutting off trade with all areas of the globe, and depriving them of (many times) trial by jury.

3) The final paragraph is saying that the United Colonies are declaring themselves to be free and independent states, dissolving all allegiance and connection to Britain. As such, they have the power to declare war, decide peace, create alliances, conduct trade, and participate in other things independent states do. The document closes with a pledge of lives, fortunes, and honor, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.


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The Declaration of Independence


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Common Sense by Thomas Paine (synthesis)
-tried to get colonists to support breaking away from Britain


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