6 Questions
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
To formalize the colonies' separation from Great Britain
What is the main idea behind the social contract theory, which influenced the Declaration of Independence?
That individuals have inherent rights
How many individuals signed the Declaration of Independence?
56
What is celebrated annually on July 4 in the United States?
US Independence Day
Which of the following is NOT a key principle of the Declaration of Independence?
The government has absolute power
Study Notes
Declaration of Independence
Introduction
- Adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776
- Formal declaration of the 13 American colonies' independence from Great Britain
- Written by a committee consisting of Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman
Key Principles
- All men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness)
- Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed
- When government becomes destructive of these principles, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it
Structure
- Preamble: Introduction and statement of purpose
- List of grievances: Specific complaints against King George III and the British government
- Declaration of natural rights: Assertion of the colonies' right to independence
- Signatures: Signed by 56 individuals, representing the 13 colonies
Influences
- Inspired by the ideas of the Enlightenment, particularly John Locke's social contract theory
- Modeled after the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
Impact
- Formalized the colonies' separation from Great Britain, marking the beginning of the United States of America
- Influenced the development of democratic governments around the world
- Celebrated annually on July 4 as US Independence Day
Declaration of Independence
Background
- Adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Continental Congress
- Formal declaration of the 13 American colonies' independence from Great Britain
Writing and Significance
- Written by a committee of five: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman
- Signed by 56 individuals, representing the 13 colonies
- Formalized the colonies' separation from Great Britain, marking the beginning of the United States of America
Core Principles
- All men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
- Governments derive their power from the consent of the governed
- People have the right to alter or abolish the government if it becomes destructive of these principles
Document Structure
- Preamble: Introduction and statement of purpose
- List of grievances: Specific complaints against King George III and the British government
- Declaration of natural rights: Assertion of the colonies' right to independence
Influences and Legacy
- Inspired by the Enlightenment, particularly John Locke's social contract theory
- Modeled after the Virginia Declaration of Rights (1776)
- Influenced the development of democratic governments around the world
- Celebrated annually on July 4 as US Independence Day
Learn about the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, its key principles, and its significance in American history.
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