The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States, adopted on July 4, 1776, by the Second Continental Congress meeting at the Pennsylvania State House in Philadelphia. The document is not legally binding, but it is powerful and states the principles on which the government and identity of Americans are based. The following are some of the key points made in the Declaration of Independence:
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The document begins with the statement that the thirteen united States of America are declaring their separation from Great Britain.
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The Declaration asserts that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
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Governments are instituted among Men to secure these rights, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
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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.
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The Declaration lists 27 colonial grievances against King George III, including taxation without representation, the quartering of troops, and the suspension of trial by jury.
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The document concludes with the statement that the signers of the Declaration pledge to each other their Lives, their Fortunes, and their sacred Honor in support of the Declaration.
The Declaration of Independence continues to inspire people around the world to fight for freedom and equality.
