The fundamental document establishing the US as an independent nation, adopted on July 4, 1776. It declared the 13 colonies independent from Britain, offered reasons for the separation laid out the principles for which the Revolution was fought
ideal examples:
* natural rights: life, liberty, property. these rights are bestowed by god, not the government, so the government can never take them away.
* social contract: the power to govern is in the hands of the people. people give up some of their power so the government can protect their natural rights
* republicanism: representative government, separation of powers.