declaration of independence research paper

The Declaration of Independence: Annotated

Related links to free scholarly context on JSTOR for the foundational document in American government.

The formative documents of history can be seen through a variety of lenses: as static documents that say no more and no less than what the authors have written; as snapshots of a societal and cultural moment; as works meant to be interpreted and revised throughout their lives in order to remain relevant. JSTOR Daily is uniquely able to provide the “annotations” to these documents, providing context to them: how they are read ( or misread ) as history, law, a product of the times , works of their authors , as inspirations to others , or as illustrative of progress made, and debts to be repaid. To begin this series, we’ve chosen the Declaration of Independence , with the hopes that readers will find one or more of the resources here illuminates it in a unique or novel way .

_________________________________________________________

IN CONGRESS, July 4 , 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

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.

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. –That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — “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. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.–Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:

For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:

For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America , in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

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Text of the Declaration of Independence

Note: The source for this transcription is the first printing of the Declaration of Independence, the broadside produced by John Dunlap on the night of July 4, 1776. Nearly every printed or manuscript edition of the Declaration of Independence has slight differences in punctuation, capitalization, and even wording. To find out more about the diverse textual tradition of the Declaration, check out our Which Version is This, and Why Does it Matter? resource.

        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.           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—-That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, 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. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient Causes; and accordingly all Experience hath shewn, that Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the Forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long Train of Abuses and Usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a Design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their Right, it is their Duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future Security. Such has been the patient Sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the Necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The History of the present King of Great-Britain is a History of repeated Injuries and Usurpations, all having in direct Object the Establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid World.           He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public Good.           He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing Importance, unless suspended in their Operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.            He has refused to pass other Laws for the Accommodation of large Districts of People, unless those People would relinquish the Right of Representation in the Legislature, a Right inestimable to them, and formidable to Tyrants only.           He has called together Legislative Bodies at Places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the Depository of their public Records, for the sole Purpose of fatiguing them into Compliance with his Measures.           He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly Firmness his Invasions on the Rights of the People.           He has refused for a long Time, after such Dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the Dangers of Invasion from without, and Convulsions within.            He has endeavoured to prevent the Population of these States; for that Purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their Migrations hither, and raising the Conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.           He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.           He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the Tenure of their Offices, and the Amount and Payment of their Salaries.           He has erected a Multitude of new Offices, and sent hither Swarms of Officers to harrass our People, and eat out their Substance.           He has kept among us, in Times of Peace, Standing Armies, without the consent of our Legislatures.           He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.           He has combined with others to subject us to a Jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution, and unacknowledged by our Laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:           For quartering large Bodies of Armed Troops among us:           For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:           For cutting off our Trade with all Parts of the World:           For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:           For depriving us, in many Cases, of the Benefits of Trial by Jury:           For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended Offences:           For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an arbitrary Government, and enlarging its Boundaries, so as to render it at once an Example and fit Instrument for introducing the same absolute Rule into these Colonies:           For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:           For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all Cases whatsoever.           He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.           He has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our Towns, and destroyed the Lives of our People.           He is, at this Time, transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the Works of Death, Desolation, and Tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty and Perfidy, scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous Ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized Nation.           He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the Executioners of their Friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.           He has excited domestic Insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the Inhabitants of our Frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known Rule of Warfare, is an undistinguished Destruction, of all Ages, Sexes and Conditions.           In every stage of these Oppressions we have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble Terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated Injury. A Prince, whose Character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the Ruler of a free People.           Nor have we been wanting in Attentions to our British Brethren. We have warned them from Time to Time of Attempts by their Legislature to extend an unwarrantable Jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the Circumstances of our Emigration and Settlement here. We have appealed to their native Justice and Magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the Ties of our common Kindred to disavow these Usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our Connections and Correspondence. They too have been deaf to the Voice of Justice and of Consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the Necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of Mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace, Friends.           We, therefore, the Representatives of the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the World for the Rectitude of our Intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly Publish and Declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political Connection between them and the State of Great-Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm Reliance on the Protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.

Signed by Order and in Behalf of the Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, President.

Attest. CHARLES THOMSON, Secretary.

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Declaration of Independence: Primary Documents in American History

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The digital collections of the Library of Congress contain a wide variety of primary source materials associated with the Declaration of Independence, including government documents, manuscripts, letters, and broadsides.

Highlights include Thomas Jefferson's rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, a Dunlap Broadside, and the first printed copy of the Declaration of Independence with the names of the signers.

Provided below is a link to the home page for each relevant digital collection along with selected highlights.

Continental Congress

Journals of the Continental Congress

The text of the Declaration of Independence appears in the Journals of the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 .  Additional references to the Declaration of Independence can be found in the Journals  on the following dates in 1776:

• June 7, 1776 Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution urging Congress to declare independence from Great Britain.
• June 11, 1776 Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston were appointed to a committee to draft a declaration of independence.
• June 28, 1776 A fair copy of the committee draft of the Declaration of Independence was read in Congress.
• July 1-4, 1776 Congress debated and revised the Declaration of Independence.
• July 2, 1776 Congress declared independence by adopting the Lee Resolution.
• July 4, 1776 Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
• July 4, 1776 Congress ordered that the Declaration of Independence be printed (Dunlap Broadsides).
• July 19, 1776 Congress ordered the Declaration of Independence engrossed (officially inscribed) and signed by members.
• August 2, 1776 The engrossed copy of the Declaration of Independence was signed by most of the delegates. Elbridge Gerry, Oliver Wolcott, Lewis Morris, Thomas McKean, and Matthew Thornton all signed on a later date.

Documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention

Selected highlight from this collection:

• In Congress, July 4, 1776. The unanimous declaration of the thirteen United States of America. In 1777, Mary Katherine Goddard printed the first official copy of the Declaration of Independence with the names of the signers attached.

George Washington Papers

Selected highlights from this collection:

• Continental Congress, July 4, 1776, Printed Declaration of Independence.
• Enclosure, John Hancock to George Washington concerning the reading of the Declaration of Independence to the Revolutionary army, 4 July 1776.
• George Washington, July 9, 1776, General Orders. Washington announced the Declaration of Independence to the Continental Army in New York.

James Madison Papers

Selected highlight from this collection:

• James Madison, June 7, 1776. John C. Payne's copy of Thomas Jefferson notes on debates of the Continental Congress. These notes include Jefferson's copy of the Declaration of Independence as amended by Congress.

Printed Ephemera

• In Congress, July 4, 1776, a declaration by the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled. Dunlap Declaration of Independence.
• Unanimous Declaration of Independence, passed in the United States Congress, by the representatives of the American people. [United States : s.n., 1823].

Thomas Jefferson Papers

• Continental Congress, June 7, 1776, Notes on Debates and Proceedings on Declaration of Independence and Articles of Confederation.
• Thomas Jefferson, June 1776, Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence.
• Thomas Jefferson, June 1776, Draft Fragment of Declaration of Independence.
• Thomas Jefferson, et al, July 4, 1776, Copy of Declaration of Independence.

Search this collection to find additional papers related to the Declaration of Independence .

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Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

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Declaration of Independence Paper

A number of sites on the Internet claim that the  Declaration of Independence   was written on paper made from  hemp . As far as we know, this is not true.

The finished document signed by the delegates to the Continental Congress was engrossed on parchment, which is made from animal skin. Thomas Jefferson's original "Rough Draft of the Declaration" is now in the Jefferson Papers collection at the Library of Congress. According to sources at the Library of Congress, analysis by paper conservators has determined that the paper is mostly likely Dutch in origin. While hemp was commonly used to make paper in Southern Europe during this time, the Dutch were much more likely to use flax or linen rags.

Further Sources

• Library of Congress. Thomas Jefferson Papers.  Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence.
• National Archives. Charters of Freedom: The Declaration of Independence.  http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration.html
• Look for further sources in the Thomas Jefferson Portal.

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• Declaration of Independence

ADDRESS: 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway Charlottesville, VA 22902 GENERAL INFORMATION: (434) 984-9800

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Declaration of independence.

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• The Declaration in the News
• Read the Declaration
• Read About the Declaration

Have you ever wanted to read the Declaration of Independence? These books reprint the text with commentary to help you learn more.

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• Last Updated: Jun 12, 2024 9:55 AM
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Home / How to Cite the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

How to Cite the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

In honor of the Fourth of July and the most patriotic month of the year in America, let’s look at some tips on how to cite the Declaration of Independence and similar important historical documents in MLA format and APA format . USA!

• If you are citing a website with information about the Declaration or the Constitution (even if you can read the document on the site), you should follow the format for the source type “website” to make the citation in your works cited or reference list. 
• If you are citing the Declaration or Constitution itself as a whole (not specific parts), do not cite it in your APA 7 bibliography or Chicago-style bibliography . This is because both are considered well-known, or common knowledge, documents. They should only be referenced in narrative or parenthetical citations. For additional specifics on style requirements, see the sections below for each particular style manual.
• In your text, do not underline or use quotation marks for the words Declaration of Independence or Constitution of the United States. Simply use a parenthetical citation like the examples below. Try to be as specific as possible, and use the section, clause, or amendment numbers. For example:

…in the Declaration of Independence (1776).

…In the Constitution of the United States, Article III refers to the …. (sec. 1, cl. 3).

…in the U.S. Constitution (art. II, sec. 1, cl. 3.).

…slavery was finally abolished in December 1865 (US Const., amend. XIII).

• The most important tip is to be consistent with your citations throughout your paper. Try to maintain some sort of uniformity throughout your references to the Declaration or Constitution, and be sure to include as much information as possible.

Creating bibliography entries 

Though you’re not always required to cite a whole federal or state constitution in APA or Chicago styles, you must include in-text citations and reference entries when you refer to specific articles, amendments, and/or sections of a federal constitution or state charter. If you’re following MLA 9 style, you can include a works-cited list entry and in-text citation both for the entire constitution or for specific parts (see examples below).

Create a reference following the correct format for the specific source type. For example, a printed copy of the Constitution found in a book or a digital transcription of the Declaration of Independence found on a website.

APA 7 format: U.S. Constitution

Again, if you’re citing the U.S. Constitution as a whole, not a certain part, a citation isn’t required in APA 7 style. Instead, refer to the Constitution in the text.

However, if you’re citing a specific part, follow the format below, depending on the part you’re citing.

For narrative citations of specific parts of the Constitution, capitalize the specific parts and use the roman numeral or Arabic numeral. For example, Article II, Amendment V, or Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution.

APA 7 format: Declaration of Independence

As with the U.S. Constitution, APA 7 doesn’t require including a reference entry when you’re citing the Declaration of Independence as a whole. Generally, when citing the Declaration of Independence, you would do so in the text. For example, the U.S. Declaration of Independence, Paragraph 4 (1776) states…

However, if you’re referencing a website that contains a copy of the Declaration, follow the webpage on a website format of APA 7.

MLA 9 format: U.S. Constitution

MLA 9 format: Declaration of Independence

In MLA 9 style, follow the usual styling of titles of laws when writing them in your prose or the body of your essay (the Constitution not The Constitution ).

Chicago-style format: U.S. Constitution

Do not include a bibliography entry for a constitution when using The Chicago Manual of Style . Instead, include the information in the text or in a footnote or endnote, using note-bibliography style.

If you’re citing a specific part, follow the format below, depending on the part you’re citing. The format below follows Chicago’s note-bibliography style.

Chicago-style format: Declaration of Independence

As with the Constitution, if you’re citing the Declaration of Independence as a whole when using Chicago style, you don’t typically include a bibliography entry. You would include the information in the text or in a footnote or endnote. However, if you find a copy of the Declaration of Independence in a format that requires a bibliography entry, a book or a transcript found on a website, for example, you would follow the format for that particular source. The examples and templates below follow the format for website content.

*Note: If the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution is a standalone publication (not published as a published book or an article online), it should be cited in the text, not italicized or in quotation marks.

Updated July 14, 2022.

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If you want to cite the Declaration, do not cite it in the reference list or works cited list, as it is a popular document. Include it only in in-text citations. However, do not italicize the Declaration of Independence or enclose it in quotes.

APA in-text citations

(Name of Government Agency, Publication Year)

. . . as stated In the Declaration of Independence (US 1772)

MLA in-text citations

Shorten the title of the government agency in parenthetical citations.

(Name of Government Agency)

(Declaration)

If you want to cite the Declaration of Independence, do not cite it in the reference list or works cited list, as it is a well-known document. Include it only in in-text citations. Do not italicize Declaration of Independence in your citation or enclose the words in quotes.

. . . as stated In the Declaration of Independence (US, 1776)

Shorten the title of the document (or the article, if the Declaration was accessed through a website) in parenthetical citations.

(Shortened title)

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United States Declaration of Independence Definition Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Declaration of Independence is a document that is most treasured in United State since it announced independence to American colonies which were at war with Great Britain. It was drafted by Thomas Jefferson back in July 1776 and contained formal explanation of the reason why the Congress had declared independence from Great Britain.

Therefore, the document marked the independence of the thirteen colonies of America, a condition which had caused revolutionary war. America celebrates its day of independence on 4 th July, the day when the congress approved the Declaration for Independence (Becker, 2008). With that background in mind, this essay shall give an analysis of the key issues closely linked to the United States Declaration of Independence.

As highlighted in the introductory part, there was the revolutionary war in the thirteen American colonies before the declaration for independence that had been going on for about a year. Immediately after the end of the Seven Years War, the relationship between American colonies and their mother country started to deteriorate. In addition, some acts which were established in order to increase tax revenue from the colonies ended up creating a tax dispute between the colonies and the Government (Fradin, 2006).

The main reason why the Declaration for Independence was written was to declare the convictions of Americans especially towards their rights. The main aim was to declare the necessity for independence especially to the colonist as well as to state their view and position on the purpose of the government. In addition, apart from making their grievances known to King George III, they also wanted to influence other foreigners like the France to support them in their struggle towards independence.

Most authors and historians believe that the main influence of Jefferson was the English Declaration of Rights that marked the end King James II Reign. As much as the influence of John Locke who was a political theorist from England is questioned, it is clear that he influenced the American Revolution a great deal. Although most historians criticize the Jefferson’s influence by some authors like Charles Hutcheson, it is clear that the philosophical content of the Declaration emanates from other philosophical writings.

The self evident truths in the Declaration for Independence is that all men are created equal and do also have some rights which ought not to be with held at all costs. In addition, the document also illustrated that government is formed for the sole purpose of protecting those rights as it is formed by the people who it governs. Finally, if the government losses the consent, it then qualifies to be either replaced or abolished. Such truths are not only mandatory but they do not require any further emphasis.

Therefore, being self evident means that each truth speaks on its own behalf and should not be denied at whichever circumstances (Zuckert, 1987). The main reason why they were named as self evident was to influence the colonists to see the reality in the whole issue. Jefferson based his argument from on the theory of natural rights as illustrated by John Locke who argued that people have got rights which are not influenced by laws in the society (Tuckness, 2010).

One of the truths in the Declaration for Independence is the inalienable rights which are either individual or collective. Such rights are inclusive of right to liberty, life and pursuit of happiness. Unalienable rights means rights which cannot be denied since they are given by God. In addition, such rights cannot even be sold or lost at whichever circumstance. Apart from individual rights, there are also collective rights like the right of people to chose the right government and also to abolish it incase it fails achieve its main goal.

The inalienable goals are based on the law of nature as well as on the nature’s God as illustrated in the John Locke’s philosophy. It is upon the government to recognize that individuals are entitled to unalienable rights which are bestowed by God. Although the rights are not established by the civil government, it has a great role to ensure that people are able to express such laws in the constitution (Morgan, 2010).

Explaining the purpose of the government was the major intent of the Declaration for Independent. The document explains explicitly that the main purpose is not only to secure but also to protect the rights of the people from individual and life events that threaten them. However, it is important to note that the government gets its power from the people it rules or governs.

The purpose of the government of protecting the God given rights of the people impacts the decision making process in several ways. To begin with, the government has to consider the views of the people before making major decisions failure to which it may be considered unworthy and be replaced. Therefore, the decision making process becomes quite complex as several positions must be taken in to consideration.

The declaration identifies clearly the conditions under which the government can be abolished or replaced. For example, studies of Revolutionary War and Beyond, states that “any form of government becomes destructive of these ends; it is the right of the people, to alter or abolish it and institute a new government” (par. 62010). Therefore, document illustrated that the colonists were justified to reject or abolish the British rule.

The declaration was very significant especially due to the fact that it illustrated explicitly the conditions which were present in America by the time it was being made. For example, one of the key grievances of the thirteen colonies was concerning the issue of slave trade. The issue of abolishing slavery was put in the first draft of the declaration for independent although it was scrapped off later since the southern states were against the abolishment of slave trade.

Another issue which was illustrated in the declaration was the fact that the king denied the colonists the power to elect their representatives in the legislatures. While the colonists believed that they had the right to choose the government to govern them, in the British government, it was the duty of the King to do so.

Attaining land and migrating to America was the right of colonists to liberty and since the King had made it extremely difficult for the colonists to do so; the Declaration was very significant in addressing such grievances. There are many more problems that were present that were addressed by the Declaration as it was its purpose to do so.

Becker, C. L. (2008). The Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas. Illinois: BiblioBazaar, LLC .

Fradin, D. B. (2006). The Declaration of Independence. New York : Marshall Cavendish.

Morgan, K. L. (2010). The Declaration of Independence, Equality and Unalienable Rights . Web.

Revolutionary War and Beyond. (2010). The Purpose of the Declaration of Independence . Web.

Tuckness, A. (2010). Locke’s Political Philosophy . Web.

Zuckert, M. P. (1987). Self-Evident Truth and the Declaration of Independence. The Review of Politics , 49 (3), 319-339.

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FAQ: Research Help

How do you cite the declaration of independence.

The first time you reference the work, include the institutional author (US) and date (1776) in your parenthetical reference.

Ex: ". . . in the Declaration of Independence (US 1776)."

Advanced citing:

Note MLA does not use the standard legal format for citations. If your paper includes many legal references, MLA suggests consulting the most recent edition of The Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation , which can be found it the Lauinger Reference Stacks, KF246 .U5 .

In general, do not italicize, underline, or use quotation marks for the titles of laws, acts, or documents such as the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, or US Code.

The standard format, as recommended in the Bluebook , is the second example here. The symbol "§" means "section".

MLA format:

US Const., art. 1, sec. 1. 

Standard legal format: U.S. Const., Art. I, §8, cl. 8 

(Article 1, section 8, clause 8)

For other citation styles (Chicago, APA, etc), please check the citation manual.

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America's Founding Documents

The Declaration of Independence

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. Preamble to the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence states the principles on which our government, and our identity as Americans, are based. Unlike the other founding documents, the Declaration of Independence is not legally binding, but it is powerful. Abraham Lincoln called it “a rebuke and a stumbling-block to tyranny and oppression.” It continues to inspire people around the world to fight for freedom and equality.

The Declaration of Independence (front)

The condition of the parchment Declaration of Independence is a sign of the place it has held in the hearts of many Americans. Years of public display have faded and worn this treasured document. Today it is maintained under the most exacting archival conditions possible.

Read a Transcript

The Declaration of Independence (back)

When we removed the Declaration of Independence from the Rotunda in 2001 to prepare it for a new case, we were able to look at the reverse side. No treasure map was found, but there were two lines of text, "Original Declaration of Independence dated 4th. July 1776" written along the bottom edge. This docket (identifying label) could be read when the document was rolled up for storage.

Stone Engraving of the Declaration of Independence

In 1820, the Declaration of Independence was already showing signs of age. Secretary of State John Quincy Adams commissioned printer William J. Stone to make a full-size copperplate engraving. This plate was used to print copies of the Declaration. The 1823 Stone engraving is the most frequently reproduced version of the Declaration.

Read Articles About the Declaration

• The article "The Declaration of Independence: A History," provides a detailed account of the Declaration, from its drafting through its preservation today at the National Archives.
• "The Stylistic Artistry of the Declaration of Independence" by Stephen Lucas. By closely examining its language, this perceptive article sheds light on the Declaration as a work of literature and of persuasion. From Prologue, Spring 1990.
• The Virginia Declaration of Rights strongly influenced Thomas Jefferson in writing the first part of the Declaration of Independence. It later provided the foundation for the Bill of Rights.

Back to Main Page   What Does it Say?

Declaration Of Independence - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4, 1776, is a fundamental document that proclaimed the thirteen American colonies’ independence from British rule. An essay on this topic could explore the historical context leading to its adoption, its philosophical underpinnings, and its influence on the American Revolution and subsequent world events. Additionally, discussions could delve into its enduring legacy and its interpretation over time. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about Declaration of Independence you can find in Papersowl database. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Events that Influenced on Declaration of Independence

Explain how the following influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence? 1. Enlightenment 2. Tea Taxes 3. Quartering Act. Although the colonists had been fighting with the British for more than a year, it wasn't until Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence in 1776 that the new American Revolutionary government was established and officially went to war against Britain. A signal that the colonists no longer wanted British rule, the Declaration was actually a letter to the king […]

Enlightenment Ideas Reflected in the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence reflects a great extent the values of Enlightenment. The Declaration of Independence is a formal statement written by Thomas Jefferson asserting freedom from Great Britain. The Enlightenment was an intellectual and philosophical movement that dominated the world of ideas in Europe. The Enlightenment brought ideas of scientific reasoning over religious reasoning which propelled a huge transition in American views. The movement stimulated religious tolerance and democratic revolutions around the world. Most of the Enlightenment ideas reflected […]

Main Reasons of Seperation from Great Britain

The separation of the 13 colonies from Great Britain was absolutely vital for the well being of the colonist. The colonist separated themselves from a government in which they had no representation in and a government that did not fairly protect their natural rights that they believed every man was born with. Great Britain violated the "Social contract" between it and the colonist by not protecting these rights. Great britain quartered their troops in colonist homes without consent and did […]

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A Loyalists View of the Declaration of Independence

In Congress, July 4, 1776, a declaration by the representatives of the United States of America in General Congress was assembled. Unanimously, the Declaration of Independence was signed. From a loyalist's point of view, there are many complaints that are exaggerated and invalid within the declaration. What is odd to the loyalists is that the rebels say "He" in all the complaints in this declaration, when the rebels must know that our King does not make the laws, it is […]

Why the Declaration of Independence is Compelling?

What does Freedom means? What does freedom means to everyone? In the Declaration of Independence the United States got free from Great Britain. All men are equal and that everyone has their basic human rights. The Declaration of Independence is the most compelling for Americans today because it gave hope to everyone to be free, it made America what it is today, and gave us basic human rights that all men are created equally. Americans think about the Declaration of […]

Articles of Confederation and the Constitution

A piece of paper may not seem like much, but when it comes to historical documents, such a small thing can have tremendous impact. The United States went down a long road to get to where it is today, a road which was paved by three iconic documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution. All of which have their own distinct purposes, influential parties, and outcomes. The Declaration of Independence was composed to proclaim and […]

Declaration of Independence Analysis

The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 4, 1776.  It announced that the Thirteen Colonies, (already at war with Great Britain,) would regard themselves as independent states, and no longer be not under British rule. These new states took a unified first step toward forming the United States of America with the Declaration of Independence.  The Declaration was largely written by Thomas Jefferson, but revised by General Congress to produce […]

The Declaration of Independence and Common-Sense

Our time being the United States of American without British rule has been two hundred, forty-two years, two months and nine day to be exact. Since that amount of time The United States fought for its own Independence that would significantly change our lives. Tragically speaking since our birth into something other than a country ruled by another country we have only had twenty years of peace, all two hundred and twenty-two years we the people have been fighting in […]

Benjamin Banneker’s Letter to Thomas Jefferson Rhetorical Analysis

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Significance of Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, a document made to resolve grievances against the king of England that would eventually separate itself from Great Britain to create a new independent nation. However, times have changed since Declaration Of Independence was first made and so have the way some people look at it and interpret it due to the fact that things were looked at from a different perspective than they are now. But, through these many changes, such as equality, freedom and […]

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The declaration of independence was a document that was written by Thomas Jefferson. This was a document that was written to declare the United States of American separate and independent from British after the Second Continental Congress voted to declare it separate and independent on July 2, 1776. The declaration address was then printed and distributed to all colonies and the continental troops (Declaration of Independence, 1776). The declaration of independence apart from outlining some of the grievances that made […]

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England had always been the mother country to the 13 colonies but at the end of the Seven Years' war, the colonies decided it was time to break away from England. During the war, England neglected the 13 colonies and they were left to rule themselves. The colonies got a chance to govern themselves and when England came back to govern the colonies, the colonies finally decided that they didn't want to be governed by England. During the war, England […]

Declaration of Independence Enlightened Thought Essay

The Declaration of Independence is a document declaring the colonies' freedom from Britain; however, it was not an original work, many of the thoughts were just being used from the English philosopher John Locke. Some of the theories that John Locke created,  Thomas Jefferson used, in the Declaration of Independence, such as the ideas of natural rights, how to run the government, and identifying the basis of government. In many ways the Declaration of Independence seems as if it is […]

History of the Declaration of Independence

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When we think about the Declaration of Independence, we associate it with life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness and unalienable rights but completely disregard important statements like this on "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security" (Declaration of Independence 1776) Reading this […]

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How To Write an Essay About Declaration Of Independence

Understanding the declaration of independence.

Before you begin writing an essay about the Declaration of Independence, it's crucial to understand its historical significance and content. The Declaration, adopted on July 4, 1776, marked the American colonies' assertion of independence from British rule. It's not only a pivotal document in American history but also a profound statement on human rights. Start by studying the historical context in which it was written, including the events leading up to the American Revolution. Familiarize yourself with its primary author, Thomas Jefferson, and the philosophical influences that shaped the document. Understanding the Declaration's main arguments and its impact on both American and global politics is essential for writing a comprehensive essay.

Formulating a Thesis Statement

The foundation of your essay should be a clear and concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific angle or argument about the Declaration of Independence. For example, you could focus on its philosophical underpinnings, its impact on international politics, or its significance as a symbol of freedom and democracy. Your thesis will guide the structure and content of your essay, offering a clear path for your argument.

Analyzing the Text of the Declaration

A critical part of your essay will involve a close analysis of the Declaration's text. Examine key phrases and passages, discussing their meaning and the rhetorical strategies used by Jefferson. For instance, you might analyze the famous phrase "all men are created equal" and explore its implications at the time of writing versus its contemporary interpretation. This detailed textual analysis will strengthen your arguments and demonstrate a deep understanding of the document.

Discussing Historical and Modern-Day Implications

In your essay, it's important to discuss both the historical context of the Declaration and its ongoing relevance. Explore how the Declaration influenced other independence movements and its role in shaping international human rights laws. Discuss its relevance in modern-day America, including how its ideals are upheld or challenged in contemporary politics. This discussion will provide depth to your essay, connecting past events with present-day issues.

Concluding Your Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence presented. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence. Reflect on the broader implications of your findings, such as how the ideals of the Declaration can inform current political and social debates.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, take the time to review and refine it. Ensure that your arguments are clearly articulated and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers, teachers, or historians to further refine your essay. A well-written essay on the Declaration of Independence will not only reflect your understanding of the document but also demonstrate your ability to engage critically with historical texts.

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The Declaration of Independence Was Also a List of Grievances

By: Dave Roos

Updated: June 20, 2023 | Original: June 13, 2022

For many Americans, the entirety of the Declaration of Independence can be summed up by Thomas Jefferson ’s stirring preamble: “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.”

But in fact, the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to present a compelling case that King George III and the British Parliament had broken their own laws, leaving the American colonists no choice but to cut ties and “throw off” British rule. To accomplish that, Jefferson and the Continental Congress compiled a laundry list of grievances—27 in total—meant to prove to the world that King George was a “tyrant” and a lawbreaker.

Drafted Like a Prosecutor's Opening Statement

That “legalistic” motivation is clear from the language of the Declaration itself, which sounds like a prosecutor’s opening statement: “The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”

English law included provisions for dethroning a monarch who had breached the law, says Don Hagist, editor of the Journal of the American Revolution , so the Declaration served as a kind of “impeachment” proceeding, laying out the charges against the chief executive.

“These grievances were a list of charges and accusations, a legal argument for why the king was not following the laws of England that were in place at the time,” says Hagist.

The Declaration Was Not the First List of Colonial Grievances

A full decade before the Declaration of Independence, American colonists were infuriated by the Stamp Act of 1765, which imposed a direct tax on newspapers, pamphlets, legal documents, dice and playing cards in an effort to raise money for Britain. In protest of “taxation without representation,” nine of the 13 colonies convened the Stamp Act Congress in New York City and issued a “ Declaration of Rights and Grievances .”

In that 1765 declaration, the Stamp Act Congress appealed to King George “with the warmest sentiments of affection” and reserved its ire for Parliament. The Americans asserted that the Stamp Act and earlier laws like the Sugar Act and Quartering Act “have a manifest destiny to subvert the rights and liberties of the colonists” and would be “extremely burdensome and grievous.”

Then in 1774, Jefferson penned a document called “ A Summary View of the Rights of British America ,” a lengthy and sometimes acid-penned list of grievances that was published as an anonymous pamphlet. Like other colonial leaders, Jefferson was furious that Parliament had dissolved several colonial legislatures (including Jefferson’s own House of Burgesses in Virginia) in response to the Boston Tea Party .

“Shall these governments be dissolved, their property annihilated, and their people reduced to a state of nature, at the imperious breath of a body of men, whom they never saw, in whom they never confided?” wrote Jefferson. “Can any one reason be assigned why 160,000 electors in the island of Great Britain should give law to four millions in the states of America, every individual of whom is equal to every individual of them, in virtue, in understanding, and in bodily strength?”

Continental Congress Gathers to Draft Colonial Response

Months later, in September of 1774, the First Continental Congress brought together delegates from 12 of the colonies (Georgia was absent) in Philadelphia to draft a coordinated colonial response to Parliament’s latest punitive laws, collectively known as the Intolerable Acts.

“The whole purpose of the First Continental Congress was to say, we all have to work together to formalize what our objections are to what the British government is doing,” says Hagist.

The document they signed on October 14, 1774 was also known as the “ Declaration of Rights and Grievances ,” similar to the one produced by the Stamp Act Congress in 1765, and included a list of “infringements and violations” by Parliament and the Crown that, in the Congress’s words, “demonstrate a system formed to enslave America.”

Grievances in the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was drafted by the Second Continental Congress, which met under very different circumstances. War broke out between the British and the Colonies in 1775, so several of the 27 grievances in the Declaration referred to “crimes” committed by the Crown during the outbreak of the Revolutionary War.

“[King George III] is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries,” wrote Jefferson in the Declaration, “to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages.”

That grievance referred to King George’s use of Hessian “mercenaries” from modern-day Germany to fight on behalf of the British during the Revolutionary War, a move that incensed the colonists.

Another grievance accused the king of having “plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.” That was a reference to the bombardment of Falmouth (modern-day Portland), Maine, in 1775. On that occasion, a British naval commander, exacting revenge for an earlier insult, gave the 3,800 citizens of Falmouth two hours to flee the port city before razing it to the ground with a barrage of cannon fire.

Other grievances, like “cutting off our trade with all parts of the World,” were longstanding colonial beefs with the British. Merchants and traders were the lifeblood of the colonial economy, but starting with the Navigation Acts of the 1650s, Parliament sought to control colonial maritime trade. First, goods could only be shipped on British ships. Then, they could only be traded with England. And finally, in 1775, all American trade was barred with the outbreak of war.

Colonists Sought Allies to Fight England

The Declaration of Independence wasn’t really written for King George III or Parliament. The Revolutionary War was well underway by the summer of 1776, so England certainly knew where the Americans stood on their claims of independence. Instead, the Declaration and its 27 grievances were intended to prove “to a candid World”—specifically France and Spain—that “these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.”

For that reason, says Hagist, it was really important that the text of the Declaration of Independence be published abroad. “Of course it would be highly publicized to try to get support from anywhere in the world that support could be gotten.”

One of the first places that the Founders wanted to publish the Declaration of Independence was in France, England’s traditional enemy which had just lost the Seven Years’ War (known as the French and Indian War in the United States). The Americans even created a “Committee on Secret Correspondence,” headed by Benjamin Franklin , to send agents to France and other European countries to try to win support for the Revolution.

On July 8, 1776, less than a week after signing the Declaration, Franklin and his secret committee sent a copy of the document to Silas Deane, an American agent in France, with instructions to translate the Declaration and share it with the royal courts of both France and Spain. But the package to Deane never arrived.

Instead, the first foreign newspapers to print the Declaration of Independence were two London papers on August 16, 1776—“That was very quick by the standards of the day,” says Hagist—followed by papers in Scotland, Germany and Ireland. By August 30, a French-language newspaper in the Netherlands was the first to print the Declaration of Independence in French.

France proved instrumental to American victory in the Revolutionary War, providing an estimated 12,000 soldiers and 32,000 sailors. France was the first to recognize the United States as an independent nation and the two countries formed an official alliance in 1778.

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