1: Declaration of Independence

When + What

July 4, 1776: The Declaration of Independence

• document where 13 colonies declared independence from the British Empire

• First time ppl had formally AND successfully claimed independence from imperial power

• Lays out grievances of colonists - breakup letter (here's what a good partner does, here's all the ways you haven’t done that)

• Lays out guiding principles/vision for values of a new nation - what makes a good government

Who

• Primary author: Thomas Jefferson -> lays out his opinions on gov

amazing bc

• First time ppl had formally AND successfully claimed independence from imperial power

Grievances

• Lack of fair legislative process

  • King has too much power

  • No colonial rep in parliment

• Lack of fair judicial process 

  • Ppl denied fair trials by jury

• Lack of fair economy

  • gov has too much power -> forced economic practices in colonies (taxes)

• Military intrusion into ppls lives

  • Military is used to suppress the will of the ppl

Ideas/Values promoted

• Democracy

• ppl give the gov its power (consent of the ppl)

• Ppl can take away govs power (replace)

• Gov should serve the interest of the ppl

• Gov should protect and respect equality