The Declaration of Independence Purpose of the Declaration

The Declaration of Independence

Purpose of the Declaration �To formally separate from Great Britain • State our philosophy �The British government was not protecting our rights �In fact it was abusing our rights • State our reasons �Specific grievances were given �Unfair taxation �Unfair harassment

Parts of the Declaration �Preamble • States the purpose of the document • States the philosophy behind the action

Parts of the Declaration �Declaration of Natural Rights • Rights of Men �Life �Liberty �Pursuit of Happiness

Parts of the Declaration �Declaration of Natural Rights • Purpose of government �To protect the rights of the citizens �The people have the right to change the government if that government no longer protects those rights

Parts of the Declaration �A list of grievances

Parts of the Declaration �Resolution of Independence �A free and equal nation �Just like the other nations of the world

Guarantees listed in the Declaration �Equality • Equality of OPPORTUNITY �All people are assured of a FAIR CHANCE • Equality of OUTCOME �All people are assured of the same standards of living

Guarantees listed in the Declaration �Rights • Powers and privileges governments GIVE to citizens • Unalienable Rights �Rights that NATURALLY exist and cannot be given or taken away by any government

Guarantees listed in the Declaration �Life �Liberty • Freedoms of action and thought which governments cannot give or take away

Guarantees listed in the Declaration �Pursuit of Happiness • To be able to try to achieve the highest levels possible

Guarantees listed in the Declaration �Democracy • Governmental power comes from the citizens!