Preamble Power
This section of the Declaration of Independence famously begins, "We hold these truths to be self-evident..."
What is the Preamble?
The Declaration of Independence lists this many specific complaints against King George III.
What are 27 grievances?
The Declaration of Independence asserts the colonies' right to this, meaning rule by the people themselves.
What is self-governance?
Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman made up this group.
What is the Committe of Five?
The Declaration of Independence lists British actions such as taxation without representation as examples of this.
What is injustice?
The Preamble asserts that all men are created equal and endowed with these by their Creator.
What are unalienable rights?
One grievance accused the King of sending "swarms of Officers to harass our people." This refers to the creation of these.
What are new offices and officials to enforce British policies?
The document declares that the colonies are "Free and Independent States" with the power to do this, among other things.
What is levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, and establish commerce?
This member of the Committee of Five wrote the initial draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Who is Thomas Jefferson?
The document justified war by claiming the British government had violated these.
What are the colonists' rights and liberties?
The Preamble outlines these basic principles that would shape the new nation's government.
What are equality, rights, and consent of the governed?
Trade restrictions and the plundering of American ships were grievances aimed at protecting this economic activity.
What is commerce or trade?
The right to create new governments based on popular consent is rooted in this Enlightenment idea.
What is the right of revolution or self-determination?
The committee of Five was appointed by this legislative body.
What is the Second Continental Congress?
The Declaration of Independence's list of grievances served as this for the decision to go to war.
What are justifications for war?