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Lesson 8: What Basic Ideas about Government Are in the Declaration of Independence?

Lesson Purpose
One of the most important documents in American history is the Declaration of Independence. It summarizes the colonists' basic ideas about government. The Declaration lists the colonies' complaints against the British government. The Declaration also explains the reasons why the colonies decided to declare their independence from Great Britain.
Lesson Objectives
When you finish this lesson, you should be able to explain the main ideas that are in the Declaration of Independence.
Lesson Terms
abolish
To formally put an end to.
Loyalists
natural law
Patriots
self-evident
unalienable rights