History of the Declaration of Independence - 738 Words

The Declaration of Independence: A brief history The Declaration of Independence is not a formal, legal document like the U.S. Constitution. However, it is often cited as setting forth the principles of the American system of government and used as a defense of the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the American political discourse. While not officially binding like a body of law, because of its ideological and emotional significance, the Declaration still remains relevant on a symbolic level today. The document has its origins with the Second Continental Congress, which was essentially the government of the United States from 1775 to 1788. Ever since King George III refused to reply to the petition for redress of grievances of the First Continental Congress, the Congress had taken on more and more of the responsibilities of a national government. In June 1775 the Congress established the Continental Army as well as a continental currency. By the end of July of that year, it created a post office for the United Colonies. Tensions continued to build between the crown and the colonists. King George censured the colonists for engaging in open rebellion and employed German mercenaries in preparation for war. Before the Second Congress recessed it appointed a Committee of Five to draft the document that would eventually become known as the Declaration of Independence. This committee consisted of John Adams of Massachusetts, Roger Sherman ofShow MoreRelatedHistory of the Declaration of Independence and The Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen1175 Words   |  5 Pagesequal nation and government in which power was given to the people and not to a tyrannical figure. Individuals from both of these countries sat down and wrote up a letter of declaration in demand of the freedom that they so rightfully deserved. Both of them won that freedom, as the Declaration of Independence and the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen flourished with success in the late 18th century. ‘How did these two important documents come about’ is the question we should be askingRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence Is The Founding Document Of American History1362 Words à ‚  |  6 PagesThe Declaration of Independence is the founding document of American history and has been included among one of the best documents to be written in the history of the United States of America. This declaration basically has five parts though not distinctively labeled. These parts are the introduction, preamble, the Indictment of King George III, the denunciation of the British people and the conclusion. The writers of this document are able to pass their message across through the use ofRead MoreAmerican History: Life After the Declaration of Independence 1184 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction Since the Declaration of Independence was drafted founding itself on individual privileges and choice, happiness and democracy, a multitude of concerns have kindled the rights disputes that we see making law an active and continually growing and interesting area of interest today. Issues arose included women suffrage, civil equality, slavery, the ability to hold a religious forum, along with many others. And, though the context and times have significantly changed with these concernsRead MoreEssay about American History: The Declaration of Independence1798 Words   |  8 Pages The roots to this unfair treatment start from beginning of history. Although not by the unfairness brought on by the British crown to the colonial Americans, but by the Americans who practiced similar unfairness to those whom they believed to have ownership over. African natives where brought (against their will) and sold here in this country with the belief that the buyers of such people now own them. The Declaration of Independence, signed on July 4th, 1776 (over 200 years ago), states that InRead MoreThoughtful Questions and Answers on the Declaration of Independence for Government or U.S. History985 Words   |  4 Pages1. Jefferson wrote, †¦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†¦ Clearly describe three examples from any period of American History when Americans attempted to follow these words. One example of a time that Americans attempted to al ter or change the U.S. Government was during the civil war. At this time, Southern (Confederate) states tried to withdraw from the union. Another exampleRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence From England880 Words   |  4 Pageseventually become the United States of America, signed the declaration of Independence from England. The declaration pretty much summarized the colonists’ motivation for seeking independence. The 13 colonies want to obtain their independence from England for many reasons. England establishing the Stamp Act was the first major American opposition to the British Policy that led Americans to realize that it was a time for change. By gaining their Independence, American colonists were finally able to confirm anRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence1330 Words   |  6 Pagesparagraph of the most significant of all American historical documents, the Declaration of Independence. The very theory of natural rights dramatically influenced the conception o f this starting paragraph. Natural rights is a political theory that strongly asserts that each individual who enters into any society possesses certain rights that no government can deny. The Declaration of Independence is a full and formal declaration adopted on July 4, 1776 by the representatives of the thirteen coloniesRead MoreThe Declaration Of Independence : What Shaped And Provided The Freedom The United States Of America1030 Words   |  5 PagesAbstract The declaration of Independence is what shaped and provided the freedom the United States of America has today. The Declaration of Independence today is looked at a symbol for America to reflect on as it paved the way for most of the rights we have today. This document has been fundamental to american history longer than any other text because it was the first text to use â€Å"The United States of America† and in a sense the Declaration was the birth certificate of the American nationRead MoreThe Declaration of Independence: Americas Foundation Essay example1229 Words   |  5 PagesThe issue the Declaration of Independence being a legal document has been up for debate in courts for many years now. Although, the Declaration of Independence clarifies the United States identity as a free nation, it has generated intense controversy. Some feel strongly that it did not clearly define the new powers that the thirteen colonies would acquire and did not define the identity of the United States; while, others firmly believe that without the Declaration of Independence the United StatesRead MoreInfluence Of The Magna Carta789 Words   |  4 Pages 4. The Declaration of Independence is a significant document created to show that the United States was a free and independent country from Great Britain. It was signed on July 4, 1776. The Declaration was mainly written by one of our founding fathers Thomas Jefferson. At the time, the thirteen colonies declared that they wanted independence from Britain. Therefore, they decided to write a document that would declare this separation. There are four parts that outline the Declaration of Independence