- Click here for the wiki.
The principle point of this section is to understand the nature of the argument presented in the Declaration of Independence. In my opinion, this also requires that we come to terms with two key aspects of British history. The first has to do with a philosophical change in the nature of governmental authority, the second with the relationship between governing institutions, specifically the extent of executive power. In the power points I like to describe these as a shift from divine right of the king, to natural rights, and from absolute power of the monarch to a constitutional monarchy - that is, a monarch that lives within a system of separated powers.
Why does this matter for our understanding of the argument in the Declaration of Independence? Because the document starts with a statement of natural rights - that's the bulk of the opening paragraph. It then justifies independence because the King of England is violating limits on his legitimate rule. He is usurping colonial legislative, executive, and judicial power, and by combining them he is establishing a tyranny. The document does not settle the question of what type of governing system will be established, that will come when the Articles of Confederation is established. The role of the states in this design was still being debated.
For relevant blog posts on related topics:
- Declaration of Independence.
- Magna Carta.
- Natural rights.
- Separated Powers.