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How does the content of the preamble of the Declaration of Independence differ from that of the grievances?

O The grievances emphasize that the king should pay reparations to the colonies, while the preamble emphasizes that all men are created equal.
O The grievances list examples of the king's tyranny, while the preamble states the functions of government as the Founding Fathers saw them.
O The grievances are a legally binding lawsuit against the British king, while the preamble emphasizes that governments are instituted among men.
O The grievances list the ways that the colonies have tried to compromise with the king, while the preamble states that all men are equal regardless of race or gender.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

The preamble of the Declaration of Independence outlines the philosophical foundations of government and universal human rights, while the grievances section lists specific examples of tyranny by King George III and the British Parliament, justifying the American colonies' revolt.

Step-by-step explanation:

The content of the preamble of the Declaration of Independence differs from that of the grievances in that the preamble outlines the philosophical foundations and principles of government as viewed by the Founding Fathers, emphasizing universal human rights and values. Inspired by John Locke, it declares that "all men are created equal", endowed with "certain unalienable Rights" such as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It also states that governments are instituted to secure these rights and derives its powers from the consent of the governed, with the right of the people to alter or abolish any form of government that becomes destructive of these ends.

On the other hand, the grievances section of the Declaration lists specific examples of tyranny and misdeeds by King George III and the British Parliament against the colonies. These grievances include issues previously raised in documents such as the Resolves of the Stamp Act Congress and various colonial petitions, accusing the king and Parliament of acts that the American colonies considered oppressive and unjust. The list of grievances serves as a justification for revolt, articulating the reasons why the American colonies felt compelled to seek independence and self-governance.

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