Question

The preamble -why did the framers feel they needed to write out a declaration? statement of beliefs - what were the beliefs of our founding fathers? list of grievances - rephrase three grievances into your own words. statement of prior attempts of grievances - how did the framers claim to have already tried to address the complaints? declaration of independence - how will life in the colonies change after the declaration?

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence was drafted to affirm universal human rights and signal the American colonies' separation from Britain, laying the foundation for a new government based on popular sovereignty.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Declaration of Independence

The framers felt the need to write out a declaration to articulate Enlightenment principles about universal human rights and values.

This declaration would legitimize their rebellion and express their vision for a new government based on the consent of the governed, highlighting the principle that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights such as Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Statement of Beliefs of Our Founding Fathers

The beliefs of our Founding Fathers were deeply influenced by the theories of English political philosopher, John Locke.

They held that in a state of nature, humans have natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

Government's role was to protect these rights, and if a government failed to do so, the people had the right to establish a new government.

List of Grievances

Here are three grievances rephrased:

1. 
   
3. The King has denied us the same rights that are afforded to the English people.
4. 
   
6. He has imposed taxes on us without our consent.
7. 
   
9. He has tried to prevent the population of these States and obstructed our right to pass laws that we need for our well-being.

Statement of Prior Attempts to Address Grievances

The framers claimed to have already tried to address the complaints through petitions and peaceful appeals to British authorities, which were met with repeated injury and indifference, indicating that the king was unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Declaration of Independence and Its Impact on Colonial Life

Life in the colonies was destined to change significantly after the Declaration.

The Declaration expressed the colonies' separation from Britain and thus laid the groundwork for establishing a new government and writing state constitutions that emphasized the protection of individual rights.

This act effectively set the course for the development of the United States as a republic rooted in democratic principles.