What is the overall purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
a. It is a way to inspire warmth and a feeling of patriotism
b. It is just political posturing and an attempt to see if Britain will back down
c. It is meant to be a document that the American people see as important
d. It is a resolution that the official view of the Continental Congress is separation from Britain
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is d. It is a resolution that the official view of the Continental Congress is separation from Britain.
The overall purpose of the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was to formally announce and justify the colonies’ decision to break away from British rule. It was not merely a statement of principles or a plea for reconciliation. The document served as an official resolution by the Continental Congress that the American colonies were asserting their independence from Great Britain.
The Declaration laid out a philosophical justification for this separation by referencing the natural rights of individuals, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It argued that when a government becomes tyrannical and infringes upon these rights, it is the duty of the people to overthrow that government. The Declaration also listed grievances against King George III, accusing him of violating the rights of the colonists and demonstrating a pattern of oppressive behavior. These grievances provided specific examples of why separation was necessary.
In addition to its political and philosophical importance, the Declaration was meant to rally support both domestically and internationally. It served to unify the colonies in their struggle for independence and signaled to other nations, particularly France, that the colonies were serious in their intent to separate from Britain and establish a new nation.
Thus, the Declaration was not just a statement of ideas but an official document that symbolized the colonies’ resolution to create a new, independent country. It was an important step in the formation of the United States and a powerful expression of the desire for self-governance.