LAD #3: Declaration of Independence

Part I- Democratic Principles
There are a number of Democratic Principles mentioned in the Declaration of Independence. The first right mentioned is that if necessary, humans have the right to separate from their leaders if they believe those leaders are being unjust. To go along with this, it is written that all humans have certain rights that cannot be taken away from them; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These liberties and freedoms, that are "unalienable", are similar to the fact that "all men are created equal." This quote is one of the most famous in American history, practically everyone knows it. Overall, the major democratic principle is the fact that the government is created in favor of the people, the government can be abolished if need be. It is the job of the people, citizens of the state, to overthrow an unjust government.

 Above: The Declaration of Independence

Part II- A Handful of Grievances
Some of the grievances mentioned in the Declaration are as follows;
-The King of Great Britain refused to change laws for the good of the American public.
-The British King dissolved representative houses that opposed his decisions, they thought they invaded the rights of the people.
-The King made judges dependent on him alone, by controlling their tenure and salaries.
-He kept standing armies in America, despite their dislike of them, and without their consent.
-The King quartered a large number of soldiers among the Americans
-He made taxes without American consent and cut off their trade with other parts of the world.
-Most of all, the King ignored American petitions, which the patriots believed made him not fit to rule the free people of America.

Above: King George III of Great Britain

Part III- The Conclusion
The Americans warned the British that they extended unwanted jurisdiction in America. They also told them of the reasons why they settled here like religious persecution. America tried to reason with them and they didn't listen, so now America has been forced to cut ties with the British, they hope to be friends in peace, but enemies in war. The United States of America therefore declare that they are free and independent state, not in allegiance with the British crown. With that, Americans have full power to do anything an independent state can do, and with that America pledges their lives, fortune, and honor.

Above: Signature of John Hancock, largest on the Declaration of Independence.