Paul Cooney
Mr. Decarlo
AP American
September 16, 2006

Summary of the Declaration of Independence (LAD 3)

Jefferson was eloquent in his major contribution to the United States, the Declaration of Independence. He opens with a statement proclaiming that when a government begins to interfere with the people’s rights given to them by God, that such a government should be “dissolved.” This sends a very strong message to anyone who reads it, an opening message if you will that foreshadows what is to come later in the document.
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” are the undeniable human rights or as Jefferson calls them the “natural” and “God-given” rights. He continues on to say that with such rights, a body of people must govern these rights, protecting them. It is the government’s job and purpose to do so, and if this goal is failed the people have the obligation to reform or abolish a government that fails them. At this point Jefferson begins to explain how the colonies have endured a violation of their rights by the crown of England, and lists the violations and injustices they have had to coupe with. On the top of the list are numerous examples of how the King has restricted local governments to make necessary laws immediately, especially those concerning the public’s well-being. The entire judicial system is in violation of the people’s rights according to Jefferson. There was limited or no trial by jury, members of the British government or military were prevented from conviction by mock trial, and important forms of local judicial government were abolished. The British government destroyed many of colonist’s lives, and because there was such a poor imperial system in the colonies the King’s appointed governors were often corrupt, creating a tyranny. Despite the colonist’s reasonable and humble requests for the repeal of British practices, their pleads were met with only harsh injury.
At the end of the list of grievances, the colonies proclaim to be United Colonies that are “Free and Independent States” that have the full rights that independent states ought to have; to declare war, to make peace, to establish alliances, and to create commerce etc. The Declaration of Independence ends with the signatures of distinguished men from the various colonies.