Final answer:
The opening part of the Declaration of Independence is referred to as the introduction or preamble. This section outlines the reasons for the colonies' separation from Great Britain and establishes the principle of the consent of the governed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Opening of the Declaration of Independence
The opening part of the Declaration of Independence is known as the introduction or preamble. This section sets the stage for the document's purpose and declares why the American colonies found it necessary to declare their independence from Great Britain. Within this introduction, the document states that when a group of people must dissolve the political bands with another, they should explain their reasons to the rest of the world. This reflects both the philosophical and historic origins of American government, as it outlines the belief in the consent of the governed as a cornerstone for the new nation's principles.
The Declaration of Independence is more than a historical document; it is a proclamation of fundamental truths and rights that continue to be a pillar in the foundation of American government over 200 years later. It was crafted by the Committee of Five, which included notable figures such as Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, during a time when American colonists were fighting for their freedom from English rule.