Read the following excerpts from the draft and revision of the Declaration of
Independence:
DRAFT:
When in the course of human events it becomes necessary
for a people to advance from that subordination in which
they have hitherto remained, & to assume among the
powers of the earth the equal & independent station to
which the laws of nature & 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
change.
REVISION:
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.
Why did the Continental Congress revise "equal and independent station" to "separate
and equal station'?
A. The use of "separate" shows that the colonies are physically separate from
the rest of the British monarchy but still connected politically, supporting the
goal of showing allegiance to the king's authority.
B. The use of 'separate" shows that the colonies are still dependent on the
British monarchy, supporting the goal of encouraging colonists to resist
revolutionary efforts.
C. The use of "separate" clearly supports the purpose of the declaration, and it
echoes the idea of separation stated at the end of this passage.
D. The use of 'separate" demonstrates that the colonies are equal in position to
the British monarchy, supporting the goal of demanding that the king of
England pledge allegiance to America.