Structure and Key Sections
Introduction
This section establishes the philosophical basis for the document, asserting the natural right of a people to dissolve political bands and declare independence, necessitating a clear explanation of the causes.
The Preamble
Famously articulating the self-evident truths that "all men are created equal" and endowed with unalienable rightsโLife, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happinessโthis section outlines the purpose of government: to secure these rights through the consent of the governed. It posits the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive of these ends.
Indictment of the King
This extensive section presents a detailed list of 27 specific grievances against King George III, documenting a pattern of "repeated injuries and usurpations" intended to establish absolute tyranny over the colonies. These charges range from obstructing justice and imposing taxes without consent to quartering troops and waging war against the colonies.
Denunciation and Conclusion
The document concludes by asserting that the colonists have appealed for redress without success and must therefore acquiesce in the necessity of separation. The final paragraph formally declares the colonies to be Free and Independent States, absolved from allegiance to the British Crown, possessing the full powers of independent states to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, and conduct commerce.