Purpose: To explain the reasons for the American colonies' decision to separate from Great Britain.
Philosophical Foundation
Natural Rights: All men are created equal with certain unalienable Rights - Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
Role of Government: Governments are established to secure these rights, deriving their powers from the consent of the governed.
Right to Change Government: If a government becomes destructive, it is the people's right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government to ensure their safety and happiness.
Grievances Against King George III
Legislative Issues:
Refused Assent to Laws necessary for the public good.
Dissolved Representative Houses, and neglected to replace them.
Obstructed justice by controlling Judges’ tenure and salaries.
Military and Judicial Control:
Kept Standing Armies in peacetime without consent.
Made the Military independent from and superior to the Civil power.
Economic and Legal Grievances:
Imposed taxes without consent.
Deprived benefits of Trial by Jury.
Cut off trade with all parts of the world.
Attempts at Redress
Petitioned humbly for redress of grievances and warned British brethren to no avail.
Concluded that separation was necessary and inevitable.
Declaration
Sovereign Status: Declares the colonies as free and independent states absolved from allegiance to the British Crown.
Powers of Independent States: Full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, and establish commerce.
Mutual Pledge: Colonists pledge to each other their Lives, Fortunes, and sacred Honor, with reliance on divine Providence.