Tavaris Hodore
American Government
Professor Wallberg
13th January 2020
1) what is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence as stated in the Preamble?
The preamble to the Declaration of Independence establishes the philosophical and political
underpinning to the new nation’s decision to sever its ties to Great Britain. In the
preamble, Jefferson calls on Enlightenment philosophy to explain why the new country
is justified in breaking away from Great Britain. He writes about “the Laws of Nature”
and laws that are “self-evident.” These are references to the Enlightenment idea that
people’s right to choose their own government are inalienable, meaning that they cannot
be taken away. Jefferson also refers to the rights of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness.
2) what are the five main parts of the declaration?
The Declaration of Independence is made up of five distinct parts: the introduction; the
preamble; the body, which can be divided into two sections; and a conclusion.
3) what are three rights that all people have?
Freedom of speech, life and liberty, right to bear arm
4) how did the colonists attempt to stay loyal to England?
Enslaved African American joined Loyalists because they were offered freedom if they
helped the British. Native Americans joined the Loyalists because they wanted to
colonists to stop taking their land.
5) why did colonies feel they had to declare their independence?
By declaring themselves an independent nation, the American colonists were able to confirm