Declaration of Independence Vocabulary

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Natural rights

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Rights that people supposedly have under natural law. The Declaration of Independence of the United States lists life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as natural rights.

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Grievance

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A real or imagined wrong or other cause for complaint or protest, especially unfair treatment.

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Despotism

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The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.

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Jurisdiction

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The official power to make legal decisions and judgments.

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Usurpation

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The act of taking control of something without having the right to, especially of a position of power.

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Relinquish

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To give up something such as a responsibility or claim.

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Abdicate

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When a king or queen makes a formal statement that he or she no longer wants to be king or queen.

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Perfidy

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Behavior that is not loyal.

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Insurrection

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An organized attempt by a group of people to defeat their government and take control of their country, usually by violence.

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Rectitude

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Honesty and correct moral behavior.