LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

1. The very beginning of the Declaration of Independence discusses the democratic principles that America will hold after achieving independence. It mentions natural rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are held by all people and can't be taken away. The Declaration of Independence also explains that if the people's natural rights are violated, the people must take action to replace the government.

2. The colonists had many grievances with King George III. These grievances included infringing upon the rights of the colonists, taxing unfairly, the denial of free trade, the lack of a fair justice system, a lack of protection on the colonial borders, and the creation of laws without consulting the colonists. All of these actions were used by the colonists to support their claim that Britain was hurting their way of life in America.

3. The colonists conclude that they are now joined together as the United States of America and are free and independent from Britain. They also now have the power that comes with independence, such as regulating their own trade and going to war. The colonies are now separated from Britain and the representatives of the colonies pledge their lives, fortunes, and honor to the Declaration of Independence.