LAD/Blog #3: Declaration of Independence

1.  List the democratic principles discussed in the opening.

The Declaration of Independence states in its opening that all men are created equal, and that the government needs the consent of the governed, so if things were to go to the worse, the people have to right to alter it, and institute a new government. It also states that the unalienable rights of life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Much of what is stated here is based of the enlightenment philosopher John Locke. 

2.  List 5 grievances the colonists were making the King aware of.

• The king quartered armed troops into their homes, violated their personal privacy.
• The king cut off international trade from the colonies.
• The king imposed unjustified taxes upon the colonies.
• The king has overlocked laws for the wholesome public good.
• The king has left standing opposing armies in times of peace.
• The king has taken away the colonies charters.

3.  Summarize what the final paragraph is saying.

The last paragraph states that the US has the right to be a free and independent state from Britain, and that they demand all political connections between the US and Britain to be dissolved. Pretty much, they are demanding their freedom, with God's help, because of the rights violated under British colonial rule.

This reminds me of the confederate states declaration of secession (this one being Mississippi), because both documents contain the same idea of one state declaring independence from its original state.

Image of the original Declaration