Foundational Documents Organizer: Declaration of Independence

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Declaration of Independence notes.

Declaration of Independence

The 1776 document declaring the American colonies' break from Britain and outlining Enlightenment-inspired principles.

Preamble

The introductory section of the Declaration that explains the purpose for independence.

Grievances

The list of complaints against King George III used to justify the colonies' separation from Britain.

Resolution for Independence

The formal declaration within the document that the colonies are free and independent.

Thomas Jefferson

Primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

1776

The year the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

Enlightenment ideals

Philosophical ideas emphasizing reason, rights, and social contracts that influenced the Declaration (e.g., natural rights, popular sovereignty, republicanism).

Natural rights

Fundamental rights believed to be universal and inalienable, granted by the Creator.

Popular sovereignty

The principle that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed—the people.

Social contract

The idea that people consent to surrender some freedoms to the government in exchange for protection of their rights.

Republicanism

A form of government in which representatives govern for the people with an emphasis on civic virtue.

Limited government

A government whose powers are restricted to protect individual rights.