4- The declaration of independence by Thomas Jefferson 


-The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress, states the reasons the British colonies of North America sought independence in July of 1776.

-The colonists considered it to be clear to everyone that all men are created equal and that God has given them certain basic rights that can not be taken away.

-These basic rights include life, liberty and the right to do whatever makes them happy.

-Governments are built for the sole purpose of protecting these basic rights. 

-In the case of the colonies, they have put up with years of abuse and misuse of power
 

-All men are created equal and there are certain unalienable rights that governments should never violate. 

-Acting with Parliament, the King also instituted legislation that affected the colonies without their consent.

-The colonial governments tried to reach a peaceful reconciliation of these differences with Great Britain.