The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson - Summary

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Jefferson says that it needs to be said why America intends to separate from England. Americans are entitled to equal rights as the English, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. It is the job of governments to see that these rights are kept, and when they are not kept it is the right of the people to abolish that government and institute a new one. America has been subject to much abuse from England and this separation is not due to frivolous reasons.

Some examples of the abuse are refusal to create laws to benefit Americans; neglecting to attend to American law and yet demanding that no laws be created without him; dissolving legislative bodies repeatedly and refusing to replace them. Other transgressions are preventing immigration, raising the price of land, refusing to instate judiciary institutions, rendering the military superior to civil power, keeping military in America in times of peace.

The English crown has also impeded trade, imposed taxation without representation, and finally waging war against America.

Americans have tried to settle these disputes peacefully and repeatedly, to no avail. The only resort, then, is to declare separation, and hold England "as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends." America intends to separate from England completely and Americans pledge alliance to one another, firmly relying on God for protection.

Thomas Jefferson

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