1. Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776

2. Founding Document, Founding Fathers
Draft Committee
Thomas Jefferson
Ben Franklin
Roger Sherman
John Adams
Robert Livingston

3. Part 1: Introduction What is wrong Why they are writing the document
GB and America must not be one, but separate and equal nations

4. Pt. 2: Preamble/Declaration of Rights
Self-evident-anyone can see the truth
Equality
God-given rights: not from man
Life: protection
Liberty: freedom
Pursuit of Happiness:
Popular sovereignty: gov’t gets power from the people
If gov’t is bad for people, they can abolish it and start a new gov’t
Hard decision, much consideration
King didn’t protect their rights, leaves them no choice

5. Pt. 3: Grievances Refused to approve laws
Took away representation in the legislature
Destroyed local (colonial) gov’t
Kept standing armies
Put soldiers in people’s house w/o consent
Imposed taxes w/o consent of people
Had not upheld the law
Cut off trade

6. Pt. 4: Statement of Independence
Declare the colonies are, and of Right ought to be, free and independent states
Any connection to the King should be dissolved
America has full power to declare war, make peace, form alliances, trade, etc