Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence Introduction King George III was in charge of the British Monarch when Britain’s power was unmatched (Brooke, 1972). New lands were discovered and the empire set up colonies virtually everywhere in the world. Thomas Jefferson in making the case for American independence listed a number of abuses by the King on the colonies that he believed gave impetus to the struggle for American independence (Bernsten, 2005, p. 78).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Declaration of Independence- Constitution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Jefferson said that the abuses had been aimed at the colonies for purposes of establishing tyrannical government in North America. Some of the abuses that King George is accused of committing involve taxation with little representation, the sugar act, the tea act, and the quartering act. Abuses Jefferson listed 27 abuses that the thirteen colonies suffered under the monarchy. The fi rst twelve abuses dealt with the denial of the colonies of the right to establish representative governments. He did so by the rejection of the laws proposed by the colonies. The king directed the dissolution of colonial bodies of representation and in their place took the ministers. He also increased his meddling in the judicial process as well as the rights of the colonies. He was also accused of exalting the power of the military over civilian besides forcing civilians to support the military (Bernsten, 2005, p. 98). Thirteen to 22 abuses describe in detail the use of parliament by the King to destroy the colonies’ right to independence. Parliament under the Kings guidance enacted laws that were unfriendly to the colonies according to Jefferson. The taxes levied taxes that discouraged trade, quartered troops, and levied taxes without colonial authority approval. Some of the legislations had taken away judicial freedom and the right to be tried by a jury. The other five abu ses according to Jefferson included the use of military force by the King on the colonies. The King unleashed his army and hired mercenaries on the colonies, destroyed the colonies ships and assets and kidnapped the citizen and forced then to compulsory British military service. Amendments In the new republic, the American constitution sought to prevent the occurrence of such acts by pursuing the doctrine of the separation of power. The doctrine advocates for the separation and independence of the legislature, executive judiciary branches of government (Pendergast, et al. 2001, p. 100).Advertising Looking for research paper on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This was done primarily to stop the abuse of power as had been witnessed during King George’s time. The drafters of the constitution envisioned the system as one that would have introduced them necessary checks and balances that were crucial for t he prevention of abuse of power. The first ten amendments addressed the issues that had led to the abused witnessed during King George’s time (Pendergast, et al. 2001, p. 80). These included the freedom of religion, press, assembly, and petition. There was also the right to posse’s arms, lodging soldiers in private homes, resumption of jury trials, reservation of power to the states, no unreasonable search and seizure, no cruel punishment and the enumerated rights. Role of ethics The US constitution is hyped as the greatest document that human beings have ever written (Williams, 2004, p. 35). It could not be great were it not for the ethics that governed the process and the people involved. The founding fathers of the nation including Adams and Jefferson were guided by principles that were characterized by selflessness. Ethics ensured the documents that were drafted were all-encompassing and applied to all of the United States. Ethics also helped in guiding the foundli ng fathers to avoid the mistakes that had been committed the King. References Bernsten, J.T. (2005). Thomas Jefferson. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Brook, J. (1972). King George III. London: McGraw-Hill. Pendergast et al. (2001). Constitutional Amendments: Amendments 18-26, and the un-ratified amendments. New York: UXL.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Declaration of Independence- Constitution specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Williams, J. K. (2004). The U.S. Constitution. New York: Compass point books. declaration of independence Most of the changes made to the declaration of independence were made for political reasons. The United States did not want to jeopardize their possible future relations with Britain. They also did not want the British people (most likely their descendents) to be angry with them. The writers of the Declaration of Independence also made sure that they said He when they stated the reasons they felt they deserved The first section of the Declaration of Independence was revised to give the justification for the Declaration of Independence's existence. It says that when a nation is created, it owes world opinion an explanation why it is rejecting its former system of government. The paragraph states three main ideas. The phrase "it becomes necessary" ( ) is the first of countless reasons why the colonies have no choice but to separate. The second point is that the people, not government, of the colonies are ending the relationship with the British. It was revised to make is clear that it was the will of the people to end the relationship. The third point that a new nation (The United States) is entitled to the same respect and authority ("separate and equal station") The middle of the Declaration of Independence is a list of charges against the King made by the colonists. The colonists made the charges seem they were mad at their king as well as the British. All of these were revised out so they charges were only against the king. The reason that this was do was because the colonists did not want to make the British people mad at them because then they would be more willing to go to The declaration then concludes by relying on God (Divine Providence) to protect the colonies in their fight for independence. The last paragraph at first seems a little hollow so it was revisited to seem stronge