Declaration of Independence

5 main grievances in the DoI

• taxation without representation

• made immigration difficult

• restrictions on trade

• intrusive British military presence and abuses

• lack of colonial self-governance

4 key principles of the DoI

• natural rights / unalienable rights

  • life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

  • govt must enforce these rights

• eradication of tyranny

• right to overthrow oppressive governments

  • if the govt does not protect natural rights

• govt gains power from the consent of the governed

4 things from the DoI that is missing from the constitution?

• equal rights for ALL people

  • women and slaves excluded

• limits on corporate influence on politics

• right to life

• recognition of economic democracy

  • we have political democracy, but not economic

    • leads to economic influence on politics