United States Declaration of Independence

The United States Declaration of Independence, adopted July 4, 1776, was the document by which the American colonies, assembled in the Second Continental Congress, declared their independence from Great Britain.

The document, authored by Thomas Jefferson, can be divided into six sections: Section I is the preamble which outlines freedom of association and the ability to end an association. Section II outlines the source of power for governments among men, that is, the consent of the governed. Section III is the long train of abuses and usurpations by the King of England. Section IV is the colonies' actions to seek redress for the grievances listed in Section III. Section V is the colonies' grievances against the English Parliament. Section VI is a declaration of secession from Great Britan.