The Declaration of Independence is commonly described as having five distinct parts:
- Introduction
- Preamble
- Body, which includes two sections: the indictment (list of grievances) against King George III and the denunciation of the British people
- Conclusion
This five-part structure is widely accepted and used to analyze the document's content and style
. Some sources simplify it into three main parts:
- Preamble (statement of natural rights and purpose of government)
- List of grievances against the King
- Formal declaration of independence
However, the five-part division provides a more detailed breakdown of the document's sections
. In summary, the Declaration of Independence has five parts: introduction, preamble, indictment, denunciation, and conclusion.