Final answer:
The colonists took actions like protests, petitions, and boycotts to address their concerns. Great Britain responded by imposing harsher measures and sending more troops.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to the Declaration of Independence, the colonists took several actions to address their concerns. Some of these actions included protests, petitions, boycotts, and the creation of committees to organize resistance against British policies. Great Britain responded to these actions by imposing harsher measures, such as the Intolerable Acts, and sending more troops to suppress dissent.
Learn more about Colonial actions and British response