The Declaration of Independence declares the United States independence from Great Britain and establishes the right of the people to alter or abolish their government. It asserts that all men are endowed with certain inalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It accuses King George III of repeated injuries and usurpations to establish an absolute Tyranny over the colonies. The document concludes by declaring independence and sovereignty of the thirteen colonies as individual states, forming a loose confederation rather than a centralized national government.

1. Declaration of Independence

2. Introduction – Summarize in four or five sentences. What does inalienable mean and what are three rights that apply to this word? Why can people change their government? What are the main points of the list of alleged abuses? Find five themes. Who do they appeal to for understanding and help? Conclusion – Summarize in four or five sentences. What declaration did the colonists make at the end of the document? What rights would the states have as individual bodies? Did this create a centralized, national government? Explain. How can this be used as a blueprint for other nation-states?