The Declaration of Independence & The 5 Principles of American Government

Vocabulary flashcards covering the historical context, structure, and foundational democratic principles of the Declaration of Independence.

Common Sense

A book written by Thomas Paine that convinced many colonists to want independence from Britain.

Continental Congress

The assembly of representatives from the 13 colonies who debated and voted to break away from Britain and declare independence.

Declaration Committee

A committee created by Congress consisting of Franklin, Adams, and Jefferson to write a Declaration to send to the King and the people of the 13 colonies.

Four Parts of the Declaration of Independence

The structural sections of the document: the Preamble (introduction), Natural Rights, British Wrongs (list of grievances), and Declaring Independence.

Preamble

The introduction that states the Declaration's main purpose: to explain the colonists' right to revolution.

Natural Rights (Declaration Section)

The section of the Declaration that explains the colonists' ideas about Natural Rights and how America will be built around them.

British Wrongs

The list of grievances in the Declaration detailing all the abuses and offenses committed by King George against the 13 colonies, as well as the colonists' peaceful efforts to address them for justice.

Declaring Independence (Declaration Section)

The section stating that, for all the reasons listed, the colonists possess the right to break away from Britain and establish the United States of America as a new nation.

Equality

The principle that everyone has the same rights and opportunities, and cannot be discriminated against under law because of race, religion, gender, age, etc.

Rights

Freedoms protected by law.

Liberty / Opportunity

The ability or freedom to act and do as you wish without restrictions, including the pursuit of happiness.

Justice

Fairness for all under law.

Independence

Freedom from the control of others.