Sorgea

A Simple English Version of the Declaration of Independence

The thirteen American colonies are announcing their independence from Great Britain.

When a group of people needs to break away from their government, they should explain why they're doing it. We believe it's obvious that everyone is created equal and has certain rights (freedoms that cannot be taken away) from their Creator. These rights include life, liberty (freedom), and the ability to pursue happiness. To protect these rights, governments are created by people, and their power comes from the permission of the people they govern.

When a government starts to destroy these rights, the people have the right to change or get rid of it and create a new one. This new government should be based on principles that will best ensure the safety and happiness of its people. Common sense (good judgment) tells us that governments that have been around for a long time shouldn't be changed for small or temporary reasons. History has shown that people are more willing to suffer with bad governments than to fix things by getting rid of the government they are used to.

However, when a government repeatedly commits abuses (misuse of power) and usurpations (taking power illegally) and shows a clear goal of becoming a total dictatorship, it is the people's right and duty to overthrow that government and create new protections for their future safety. The colonies have patiently endured this kind of suffering. Now, it is necessary to change their old system of government. The current King of Great Britain has a history of repeated wrongs and illegal power grabs, all with the goal of establishing a total dictatorship (a government with one person or group holding absolute power) over the colonies. To prove this, we will present the facts to an honest (fair and truthful) world.

Vocabulary and Definitions

• Unalienable: A right or freedom that cannot be taken away.

• Endowed: To be given something naturally or freely.

• Prudence: The quality of having good judgment and common sense.

• Dictate: To give an order or instruction with authority.

• Transient: Lasting only for a short time; not permanent.

• Disposed: To have a certain inclination (tendency) or willingness to do something.

• Sufferable: Able to be endured or tolerated.

• Usurpations: The act of taking something (like power or a position) illegally or by force.

• Evinces: To show or reveal clearly.

• Despotism: A government where a single person or small group holds absolute power, often in a cruel or oppressive way.

• Constrains: To compel or force someone to follow a particular course of action.

• Candid: Frank, honest, and truthful.

Foundations of Government Vocab

Government- The people who make rules and laws.

Nation - a territory with boundaries a common people and language and a government with sovereignty

Sovereignty - the supreme, autonomous authority of a state or nation to govern itself, free from external control

Equality People having the same rights and opportunities

Liberty-Freedom.

Order-Safety and rules.

Democracy People rule.

Monarchy - King or queen rules.

Dictatorship (Autocracy) - One person rules. 

9/5/25
Do Now: Why do people need rules? What happens if there are no rules?

Stems 🖋️

• "Why do people need...?" This stem asks for the reason or purpose behind something.

• "What happens if there are no...?" This stem asks for the result or consequence when something is missing.

Vocabulary 🗣️

• Rules: guidelines or laws that tell you what you can and can't do. 🚦

• Need: to have to have something because it's necessary.

• Safety: being protected from danger or harm. 🛡️

• Order: things being organized and in the right place.

• Fair: treating everyone equally and in a just way.

• Chaos: a state of complete confusion and disorder. 🌪️

• Conflict: a disagreement or fight. 💢

• Cooperation: working together to achieve a goal. 🤝

• Society: a large group of people living together in an organized community.