Question

the declaration of independence july 4, 1776
when in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of natures god entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
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, - 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, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
annotate
to dissolve means to break down. what does it mean for the colonists to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another?
why does jefferson feel impelled (urged) to declare, or state, the reasons the colonists want to separate?
what are the three unalienable rights jefferson believes all men are born with?
why are governments instituted among men?
if a government destroys the peoples rights, what does jefferson say the people have the right to do?
big idea jefferson holds four truths to be self - evident. underline each individual truth and list them below

Explanation:

The Declaration of Independence is a key - political document. Jefferson believed in the natural rights of people. Governments are to secure these rights. If a government fails, people can change it. The four self - evident truths include equality, endowment with rights, government origin, and right to change government.

1. "To dissolve the political bands" means to break the political connections or ties that bind one people to another.
2. Jefferson felt impelled to declare the reasons for separation because a decent respect to the opinions of mankind required stating the causes for separation. Also, the colonists' rights were being violated by the British government.
3. The three unalienable rights Jefferson believed all men are born with are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
4. Governments are instituted among men to secure the unalienable rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. They derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
5. If a government destroys the people's rights, Jefferson says the people have the right to alter or to abolish it and to institute a new government based on principles and organized in a form that seems most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

The four self - evident truths:

1. All men are created equal.
2. They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.
3. Among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
4. To secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Answer:

1. To break the political connections or ties.
2. Due to respect for mankind's opinion and rights violations.
3. Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
4. To secure unalienable rights and with power from the governed's consent.
5. To alter or abolish it and institute a new one.

Self - evident truths:

• All men are created equal.
• They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.
• Among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
• To secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.