The Declaration of Independence

5 main points, 8 key concepts, summary, significance

Author of Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson

MAIN POINTS

1st Main Point (can go in any order but easiest to memorize)

1. All men are created equal with natural rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

2nd Main Point

1. Governments are created to protect these rights. They get power from the consent of the governed.

3rd Main Point

People have the right to revolt, change, or abolish government that isn’t protecting their natural rights.

4th Main Point

King George III has not protected their natural rights.

List of grievances provided details his abuses; it justified the decision to separate from Britain.

5th Main Point

The colonies declare themselves free and independent states.

KEY CONCEPTS

Natural Rights

 Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Basic rights to all people. Cannot be denied or restricted by government or individuals.

Purpose

Government should help ensure “natural” or “unalienable” rights

Social Contract

Governments derive power from the people.

Government is an agreement that people can therefore change, if their government fails to protect their natural rights. 

Consent of the Governed

Governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the people

Popular Sovereignty

The people hold ultimate authority over government, which exists to serve them.

Limited Government

 government’s power is limited by rule of law; government is not all powerful

Right to revolt

If the government fails to protect people's rights, citizens have the right to overthrow it. 

Influence

Based on Enlightenment thinker John Locke’s theories of natural rights social contract, and the right to revolt

Summary Sentence

• Declared American Colony Independence

• Justified by Englightenment ideals (natural rights social contract, and the right to revolt)

• Grievances from British crown

Significance

Established principles of..

-Equality

-Natural Rights

-Governed Consent

..which became American foundation