Declaration+of+Independence,+1776

The Declaration of Independence

What Caused the writing of the Declaration of Independence?

The original 13 Colonies were British colonies held in North America. These colonies were ruled by the King. According to Thomas Jefferson the Declaration of Independence was written in order to " place before mankind the common sense of the matter in terms so plain and simple to command their assent." Britian and its colonies were no longer tightly bonded before the drafting of the Declaration. One of the Major reasons for the 13 colonies declaring Independence from Britian is because the 13 colonies wanted what is called a "modern democracy." Modern Democracy was very important to the American colonists because it would provide political freedom to the colonists, and would direct them away from a monarchy rule by the King. After having a period of "salutory neglect" on the colonies Britian began being unfair to the colonies. Britian started making the colonies pay an unfair set of taxes, and putting limits on the government in the colonies. America responded to the unfair taxes with the slogan "No taxation without representation." Disagreements over the colonies turned into violence in 1775 and the American War for Independence began.

History of The Declaration of Independence...

The Declartion of Independence was signed on July 4th,1776. We call this day Independence day. Before July 4th, there were various changes made to the Declaration. But on July 4th, Thomas Jefferson completed his final draft of the Declaration of Independence. There were 56 signers of the Deaclartion, representatives from each state signed it. The Declaration of Independence was signed in Independence Hall, Philedalphia.

Was There Controversy?

There was major controversy about the Declaration of Independence. While most colonists wanted freedom from British Parliament, many others were skeptical about it. Late afternoon on July 4th, 1776 a vote was taken in favor of the Declaration. Of the 13 colonies only 9 voted in favor of it. Both Pennsylvania and South Carolina voted not in favor, Deleware was undecided and New York was abstained. John Hancock was President of the Continental Congress at the time and was first to sign the newly drafted Declaration of Independence. It was said that he signed his name with "great flourish" so that "King Geroge can read that without spectacles."

Signifigance of the Document..

The signifigance of the declaration was that it not only declared the colonies a now independent nation, but set forth the reasons why the colonies were breaking away from British rule. It established reasons for colonial independence. More importantly the Declaration of Independence put foward a lasting set of guidelines for Americans and future Americans. The Declaration of Independence set forth that all men are created equal and no one was better due to placement in society. Although the colonies didnt get away easily from Britian after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the main importance of it was that the colonies, now known as the United States of America was noticed as its own nation.

The Importance of the Declararion (100-1)

If I were to rate the Declaration of Independence on a scale 1-100 I would rate it as a 1. This is because I believe that the Declaration is the most important document in American history. I believe this because if it were not for the Declaration of Independence America wouldnt be the same as it is today. The Declaration declares that the government exists for the benefit of the people under "all men are created equal" guidelines. If it were not for the Declaration of Independence, citizens would not have the same rights they do today, and we would not have a "modern democracy" set in place. This would mean that citizens would not be able to elect representatives for government, or even have a say in government affairs like we do today. If it were not for the declaration many of our freedoms would be limited, like they were under the colonial rule of British parliament. In short the Declaration of Independence is one of the most important historical documents today because of its impact on American Society, without it we would not be where we are today as an independent nation.

The Declaration of Independence vs. The Federal Judiciary Act

The Federal Judiciary act of 1789 established the first U.S federal judiciary. It stated that the power of the judiciary system shall be vested in one supreme court, with inferior courts. The act established the number of supreme court justices at 6, with one chief justice and 5 associate justices. The act also created 13 judicial districts within the 11 states that ratified the constistution, with a circuit court and district court. The two documents are both similar and different in many ways. While the Declaration declared the 13 colonies free from Britsh rule, the Judiciary act set up the national court system. Both documents connect though. If it were not for the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, the United States would not have been able to set up a National court system. The Declaration allowed the U.S to set up the government into 3 branches, the legislatvie, executive and judicial branch. Each branch created a balance of power within the government. The judiciary act made it possible to set up the judicial branch for the United States of America.