The Declaration of Independence Declaration Committee John Adams

The Declaration of Independence

Declaration Committee • John Adams • Benjamin Franklin • Thomas Jefferson • Robert Livingston • Roger Sherman

Principal Author • Thomas Jefferson was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Common Sense • The pamphlet Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine, encouraged independence for the Colonies. His writing won many supporters.

Different Views • People who supported the supported Great Britain Independence were known as Loyalists or as Patriots. Tories.

The King • King George III was King of England during the American Revolution.

Approval • The Second Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Important Ideas • The power to govern rests with the people. This is called “Consent of the Governed”.

Rights of Nations • To declare war • To be treated as an independent nation • Assume debt with foreign nations • Create a national government

Liberty • Liberty is achieved when an independent nation is created.

Truth • A truth is “SELF EVIDENT” when it does not need an explanation.

Rights • Unalienable Rights are those that cannot be taken away from a person.

Memorize We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness