THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

POLITICAL THEORIES

• All men are created equal
• Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
• The people have the right to alter the government

POLITICAL THEORIES

• The government is limited in power
• Citizens have the right to overthrow tyrannical governments

INJURIES AND USURPATIONS

• The Colonial suffering caused them to overthrow their former government
• The King's tyrannical rule caused the colonies to declare independence

INJURIES AND USURPATIONS

• The king imposed taxes without their consent
• The colonies felt unrepresented in the Bristish government
• No taxation without representation

FORMAL PROCLAMATION

• The colonies declared that they were free and independent states
• "Absolved from all allegiance to the British crown"

FORMAL PROCLAMATION

• "Full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce..."