Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence

1. adopted on July 4, 1776; written to express the opinions of the colonies and their decision to separate from the British Empire

   • Revolutionary War: 1775-1783; fought between Great Britain and the colonies; resulted in the colonies breaking away from the British Empire and attaining independence
   • Boston Tea Party: 1773; political and mercantile protest by the Sons of Liberty in Boston; a result of opposing the taxation of tea (tea was dumped into the harbor)
     • Boston Massacre: March 5, 1770; incident in which 5 colonists were killed; sparked by protests against the British taxation imposed on goods and other products
   • Stamp Act 1765: required that documents be printed on paper to show that the duty had been paid; led to economic and legislative resistance as well as protest

2. Bill of Rights

   • made up of the first ten Amendments to the Constitution; the document focuses on the the people's rights in relation to their government; an individual is granted with civil rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, press, and religion;
     • ratified on December 15,1791
     • Ninth Amendment: addresses rights that are retained by the people that are not specifically listed in the Constitution
       • Tenth Amendment: powers not delegated to the country nor prohibited by the States are reserved to the states or the people
         • Eighth Amendment: prevents government from imposing excessive bail, fines, or cruel punishment
           • Seventh Amendment: codifies the rights to a jury trial and prevents a court from overturning a jury's finding
             • Sixth Amendment: sets forth rights related to criminal prosecutions
               • Fifth Amendment: protects individuals from being forced to be witnesses against themselves
                 • Fourth Amendment: prohibits unreasonable searches and seizure
                   • Third Amendment:: restrictions on the quartering of soldiers in private homes without consent
                     • Second Amendment: protects the right of the people to keep and bear firearms
                       • First Amendment:: Congress may not pass any law that prohibits free excersise of religion or freedom
     • Late 18th century; 1788-1791 in Massachusetts; Anti Federalists argued that without a guarantee of specific rights, American citizens risked losing their personal liberty to the powerful federal government
       • 1788 in Massachusetts, delegates approved a number of proposed amendments; Federalists argued that including a bill of rights was not only redundant but dangerous
         • Purpose of Government: The purpose of the government per the Constitution is to institute justice, provide domestic tranquility, common defense, and promote general warfare. Securities markets were formed to allow the federal government to borrow money and support the rapid growth of banks and business corporations.
           • The grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence are intended to target King George III and his actions against the colonies under British Control. The grievances assert inequitable taxation and unjust to the colonists. King George III wanted the colonists to abide by his measures Some of the grievances include Assent to Laws, Obstruction to Justice, and actions against their will or consent.
         • Justification in the 18th century: During this time period, it seemed rights for the colonists to attain independence due to the affect of King George III's actions. The colonists were held back from altering and improving their system of government and laws.
           • Impact: The Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights left a impactful presence on today's world. This gave the modern society the relief against injustice and the rights of Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness. The documents allowed the citizens to obstruct the government when it becomes too destructive.
   • Declaration of Sentiments: connection with the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights
     • Grievances: including the same amount of grievances as the Declaration of Independence (18); were against the king of England;
       • Demands/Purpose: outlined women as citizens of America and should be granted rights that male citizens already possess; declared that women were oppressed by the powerful federal government and much of society
         • The Declaration of Sentiments define equality by portraying women as equal figures in American society; the Sentiments also demanded equality with men in employment and education; Some similarities include the grievances and the quest of equality; denial from proper education was the most controversial grievance
           • Life for Middle Class Women in 1940's: women were viewed mainly as housewives who were in charge of the household duties alongside with children. Lacking the rights of voting and being able to work in the same workforce as men deprived them with the ability to have a major contribution to the house nor possessed a voice in political and economic aspects of social life
         • Women plan to continue fighting for their rights by the spark of the women's rights movement at the Seneca Falls convention; women over America started to support by joining in; continued to fight for the right to vote and employment in jobs occupied by only men