The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. This document is very important in American history.
It explained why the colonies wanted to break away from Britain. It also helped shape how democratic governments work in the future.
Natural Rights: The Declaration states that everyone has certain rights that cannot be taken away. These include "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." About 90% of the people who signed this document, which was 56 men, believed strongly in these basic rights.
Purpose of Government: It explains that the main job of a government is to protect these rights. Governments get their power from the people’s approval. The Declaration says that if a government is not doing its job, "it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it." This means people can change or get rid of a government that isn’t working for them.
Complaints Against the King: The Declaration lists 27 complaints against King George III. One major complaint was that he taxed the colonies without giving them a voice. The colonies were forced to pay taxes that they did not agree with, and this made them want independence even more.
Right to Revolt: It argues that people can rise up against a government if it does not protect their rights. This idea comes from Enlightenment thinkers who inspired the revolution.
These ideas helped shape what it means to be American and also motivated many other democratic movements around the world.
The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. This document is very important in American history.
It explained why the colonies wanted to break away from Britain. It also helped shape how democratic governments work in the future.
Natural Rights: The Declaration states that everyone has certain rights that cannot be taken away. These include "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." About 90% of the people who signed this document, which was 56 men, believed strongly in these basic rights.
Purpose of Government: It explains that the main job of a government is to protect these rights. Governments get their power from the people’s approval. The Declaration says that if a government is not doing its job, "it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it." This means people can change or get rid of a government that isn’t working for them.
Complaints Against the King: The Declaration lists 27 complaints against King George III. One major complaint was that he taxed the colonies without giving them a voice. The colonies were forced to pay taxes that they did not agree with, and this made them want independence even more.
Right to Revolt: It argues that people can rise up against a government if it does not protect their rights. This idea comes from Enlightenment thinkers who inspired the revolution.
These ideas helped shape what it means to be American and also motivated many other democratic movements around the world.