Declaration of Independence
(Abbreviated Version)
When it becomes necessary to break away from the government that rules you, it is important to explain why you are doing it.
We strongly believe that all people are created equal and that they have rights. These rights include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
But King George has treated us badly. He has:
1. Taxed us without our permission.
2. Told British soldiers to ignore our courts and laws.
3. Forced us to let soldiers live with us.
4. Stopped our elected leaders from meeting.
5. Stopped letting us have juries at our trials.
We have repeatedly petitioned the king, very humbly. But he has rejected all our petitions.
Therefore, we declare our independence. We pledge everything we have, even our lives, to this important cause.