Declaration of Independence Main Ideas

Front

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Back

Sometimes, one group of people needs to break away from another group and become independent. When they do this, they should explain their reasons to the world.

Front

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Back

All people are equal and have rights that cannot be taken away, including the right to live, be free, and try to be happy.

Front

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed

Back

Governments exist to protect people's rights, and they get their power from the agreement of the people they govern.

Front

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Back

If a government stops protecting people's rights, the people have the right to change or replace it with a new government that will keep them safe and happy.

Front

Guiding Question: What makes a government legitimate?

Back

Consent of the governed (agreement of the people they govern)