Vocabulary in The Declaration of Independence

To formally and permanently break apart or end a political connection or bond between two groups, so that the relationship no longer exists in any legal or official sense.

The formal ties of loyalty, law, and governance that bind one people or nation to another, treated here as restraints that can be cut.

So obviously true that no argument or proof is needed; any reasonable person can see it immediately without being persuaded.

Given or provided with something as a natural or permanent gift, especially by God or nature, rather than by any human authority.

Impossible to take away, sell, or transfer to anyone else; describing rights that belong to a person permanently and cannot be removed by any government or law.

Formally set up or established, used here to describe how governments are created and put into place by and for the people.

Obtaining or drawing something from a particular source; here, governments get their authority from the agreement and approval of the people they rule.

The agreement and approval of the people being ruled, which is presented here as the only legitimate source of a government's power and authority.

Acts of seizing power, rights, or authority that do not rightfully belong to you, especially a ruler taking control that the law or the people never granted.

Always, without any exception; used here to show that the pattern of abuses never once changed direction or purpose.

Clearly shows or proves something; here it means the repeated pattern of abuses is solid evidence of a deliberate plan.

A system of government in which a single ruler holds total, unlimited power and uses it cruelly and unjustly, with no regard for the rights or wishes of the people.

Official approval or agreement, especially a ruler's formal act of signing or agreeing to a law so that it can take effect.

Beneficial and good for the health or well-being of the community; here describing laws that would have helped and protected the colonists.

Violently robbed and looted, taking goods and resources by force, especially during a military attack or raid.

Caused severe and widespread destruction to a place, leaving it damaged or ruined, typically through military violence.

Prolonged, unjust acts of harsh control or cruelty by those in power that burden and harm the people who are ruled over.

Made a formal, written request to someone in authority, asking them to correct a wrong or grant a right.

A remedy or correction for a wrong that has been done; the act of setting things right after an injustice or harm.

Formally and completely released or freed from an obligation, duty, or allegiance, so that no further loyalty or obedience is owed.

Loyalty and duty owed to a ruler, government, or nation, especially the obligation of a subject to obey and support their sovereign.

To officially raise or call up something by authority, such as an army or a tax; here used to mean the power to formally declare and wage war.

To formally enter into official agreements of mutual support and cooperation with other nations, as independent states are entitled to do.

The large-scale buying and selling of goods between nations or regions; trade conducted at a governmental or international level.

The guiding care and protection of God over human affairs; the belief that God watches over and directs events in the world.

To make a solemn promise together, with each person committing to the others equally, sharing the same oath and its consequences.