Declaration of Independence

What is one of the main democratic themes introduced in the Declaration?

The idea that government gets their power from the consent of the governed is an overarching theme in the Declaration of Independence and the founding fathers are claiming that because England doesn't believe in this ideal they have the right to leave.

Why is the idea, "all men are created equal" ironic due to American societal standards during this time period?

The statement that all men are created equal and are given certain "unalienable" rights is very ironic because at this time period a large percentage of the American population is a slave and women aren't seen as equal either.

What early literary piece was a factor in writing the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Paine's book "Common sense" was written to convince the people that it was "common sense" to declare independence from Britain. This book helped get the people's backing in the writing of the Declaration.

Which philosopher influenced the authors of the Declaration of Independence?

John Locke, an English philosopher influenced the authors. He believed that the three purposes of government were life, liberty and property which Jefferson later changes to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Which Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence?

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, on July 4th, 1776.

At the end of the Declaration what powers did the founders claim America has?

The Declaration states that America has the power to "levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, and establish Commerce".

What are the Democratic Philosophies of Government that the Declaration is based on?

The Democratic Philosophies the Declaration of Independence is based on are: All men are created equal, All men have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, The Government is created to protect said rights, and The people can change the government if it becomes destructive and non-protective of the people's rights.

What is "The List of Grievances?"

The List of Grievances was essentially a list of complaints by the colonists that were each outlined with a solution in the Declaration of Independence. The list was approved by the Continental Congress and proved that there was good reason to demand independence from Great Britain. The grievances were directed at King George III of England.

What is the "Social Contract" that the King of England broke with the colonies?

The colonists claimed that their reasoning behind declaring Independence from England is that King George had broken their social contract. Their "social contract" refers to the idea that everyone has unalienable rights.

What is the preamble to the Declaration of Independence?

The preamble of the Declaration of Independence states the subject of independence in terms easily understandable by the people of the new nation. It describes the free government that the colonists longed for.