America's Documents

Americas Documents

Declaration of Independence

Bill of Rights

Written to declare freedom from the British Crown.

Added to constitution to protect individual liberties

Both believed the purpose of the government was to protect the rights of people

27 grievances

The grievances listed what King George was doing wrong. They listed how he had all of the power and could overrule everybody. They also listed how mistreated they were.

The authors tried to appeal to the British Crown but their appeals went unanswered.

Signed on July 4, 1776

56 people signed it

First 10 amendments of the Constitution.

Both tried to gain rights for the people

December 15, 1791

Declaration of Sentiments

18 injustices done by men.

Men are taking away their freedom and many of the rights they deserve.

Women want to be heard and want to gain their rights.

Both listed how they were oppressed

Women did not have many rights so might have lived in sadness and fear

They are expecting to be ridiculed but that will not stop them.

Stanton most likely modeled it after the Declaration of Independence because that document was very effective.

They will petition the states and national legislatures to get their rights

Grievances include having their education taken away, their rights taken away, and money.

The most controversial was most likely suffrage.

They believe that all men AND women are created equal and that they deserve certain rights.