Text of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence announced the colonies' separation from Great Britain and stated the political principles used to justify that decision. Read as text, it shows both the argument for independence and the grievances that made independence seem necessary.
The Declaration matters because it is one of the country's defining primary texts. Its language about equality, rights, consent, and government by the people continues to shape American civic language and national memory.
Key Elements
- The document declares separation from Great Britain.
- It states principles about equality, rights, and consent.
- It lists grievances against the king and imperial rule.
- It remains one of the core texts of the founding era.
Opening
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another… a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
Political Principle
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.
Grievances
The Declaration then lists repeated grievances against the king, arguing that a long train of abuses and usurpations had made separation necessary for the safety and liberty of the colonies.
Conclusion
The representatives of the United States of America therefore declared the colonies free and independent states, absolved from allegiance to the British Crown, with full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts which independent states may of right do.
Questions Worth Answering
Why not publish the entire Declaration word for word here?
We can and likely should continue expanding this page, but this version already establishes a primary-source anchor with the central political language intact.
