The Declaration of Independence has four main sections that discuss the issues between the 13 colonies and Great Britain that led the colonies to separate and declare independence. It states that all people have certain unalienable rights, like life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. The document lists grievances of the colonies against King George III, including taxation without representation. Since negotiations and petitions failed to resolve their complaints, the colonies declared independence and became free and independent states.

1. Declaration of
Independence
• Written by Thomas Jefferson
• Adopted, or accepted by
vote, on July 4, 1776 in
Philadelphia, PA during 2nd
Continental Congress
• It has four main sections
which discuss all the issues
between the 13 Colonies
and Great Britain.

2. Part 1: Preamble (Introduction)
• The document begins by saying that when one
groups separates from another, an explanation
should be given.
• WRITING down the colonies intentions of
separating from England will give them a good
place to start new.

3. Part 2: Principles and Beliefs
• All men are created equal
• All people have certain rights that no one can take away:
– These rights come from God
– These rights are: “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness”
• Government is created by people to protect these rights and that
government gets its power from the people it governs
• If a government doesn’t protect these rights then the people have
the right to change that government.
• Principles reflected in the Declaration:
– _____________________________________
– _____________________________________
– _____________________________________
– _____________________________________

4. Part 3: Grievances of the Colonies
• King George III and Parliament had violated the
unalienable rights of the colonists.
• The Declaration lists the GRIEVANCES or
complaints, of the colonists against King George
III and Parliament:
1. ___________________________
2. ___________________________
3. ___________________________
4. ___________________________

5. Part 4: Declaring Independence
• Colonists had tried to work with King George
and Parliament through negotiating, petitioning,
and sending people to speak before them.
• Since King George III and Parliament did not
listen, then colonists felt they had the right to
declare independence and become their own
nation.
• The Colonies are now STATES and can do all
things free countries can do.