History (5 sections only)

Preamble

announced the reasons for the document; defined why it was writing and its purpose

The right of the people to control the goverment

John Locke's inalienable rights - life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; a government's power comes from the consent of the governed

The tyrannical acts of the British king

listed unfair acts of the British King (27 grievances; used strong verbs) the anger shifted from the parliament to the king (king Geroge III)

Efforts to avoid seperation

1775 Olive Branch Petition (rejected by the King); a list of actions to rectify, remedy the situation

colonies declared independent and free

wanted independence because they felt they had no other choice; wanted the ability to wage war and agree to peace, to make alliances with other nations, to set up an economy, make laws, and seek membership in world organizations