The Declaration of Independence was the document which declared independence of the colonists from Great Britain, making their independence "official."
The authors of the Declaration of Independence believed that British policies violated the ideals of representative government because the colonists were subjected to taxation and laws imposed by a distant Parliament in which they had no direct representation. They argued that legitimate government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, and the lack of representation undermined this principle. Additionally, the imposition of arbitrary laws and restrictions by the British crown was seen as a violation of the colonists' rights and liberties, further justifying their quest for independence.
The quote from the Declaration of Independence that reflects the colonists' belief that government derives its authority from the people is: "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This statement emphasizes the idea that a legitimate government must have the approval and support of the people it serves, asserting the principle of popular sovereignty as a foundation for political authority.
American colonists favored a representative government separate from England due to their desire for self-governance and the belief that local representatives could better address their needs and concerns. They were frustrated with British rule, particularly with taxation without representation, which they felt violated their rights as Englishmen. Additionally, Enlightenment ideals emphasizing individual rights and democratic principles inspired colonists to seek a government that reflected their interests and values. This culminated in a push for independence and the establishment of a system that allowed for more direct participation in governance.
be governed by a strong central government
Colonists protected themselves from abuse of power by forming a representative government.
The Declaration of Independence was needed to stated the colonists independence from Britain and to make laws for the colonists government.
The Declaration of Independence was the document which declared independence of the colonists from Great Britain, making their independence "official."
They didn't expect to have a a representative government in the colonies... but they did want one.
The authors of the Declaration of Independence believed that British policies violated the ideals of representative government because the colonists were subjected to taxation and laws imposed by a distant Parliament in which they had no direct representation. They argued that legitimate government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, and the lack of representation undermined this principle. Additionally, the imposition of arbitrary laws and restrictions by the British crown was seen as a violation of the colonists' rights and liberties, further justifying their quest for independence.
representative government
They wanted to make sure the people had a voice in government
They wanted to make sure the people had a voice in government
the colonists revolted. "no taxation without representation"
British Parliament
Yes, they could.
colonists believed that since the government had no representative they had no right to tax them. Their rallying cry was "NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION!!"