The Declaration of Independence

1 The Declaration of IndependenceA closer look at the first 5 excerpts from the Declaration of Independencefrom the Declaration of IndependenceExcerpt 1 When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with have connected them with a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. Definitions to assist with paraphrasing (Excerpt 1) When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to endthe political tieswhich have connected them with a connected them with a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which forcethem to the separation. Excerpt 1 Translation When people form their own nation, they should explain why they are doing 2 We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

2 Definitions to assist with paraphrasing (Excerpt 2) We hold these truths to be obvious, that all men are created equal, that they are providedby their Creator with certain not to be taken awaywith certain not to be taken awayRights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of 2 Translation All people are equal and they have the right to freedom and to live a happy 3 That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government. Definitions to assist with paraphrasing (Excerpt 3) That to keep safethese rights, Governments are establishedamong Men, receivingtheir legalpowers from the agreementof the from the agreementof the governed.

3 That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to changeor to get rid ofit, and to institute new 3 Translation If the government is not protecting people, the people should change the 4 The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and unsurpations, all having, in direct object, the establishment of in direct object, the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. Definitions to assist with paraphrasing (Excerpt 4) The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and illegal seizure of power, all having, the goal of, the power, all having, the goal of, the establishment of an absolute government with an unfair rulerover these States.

4 To prove this, let facts be presentedto a fair 4 Translation Great Britain has ruled unfairly. We present these facts to prove our side to the 5 We solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and that State of Great Britain, is and ought o be totally dissolved. Definitions to assist with paraphrasing (Excerpt 5) We seriouslypublish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right out to be Free and Independent States; that they are Independent States; that they are freedfrom all loyaltyto the British king, and that all political connection between them and that State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally 5 Translation We are now an independent nation-no longer ruled by Great Britain.