The Declaration of Independence

The middle section of the Declaration of Independence is a list of 27 complaints against the king and government of Great Britain, what the text calls both “a long train of abuses and usurpations” as well as a “history of repeated injury and usurpations.” These grievances include everything from the imposition of taxes to “works of death, desolation, and tyranny.” Each complaint is unique, and some seem relatively trivial, but they add up to what the signers believe to be a compelling case. The list seeks to prove that the king has not done his duties as the leader of a government. Further, by offering such a litany of complaints, the authors hoped to sway other Americans to support their cause. One might not agree completely with the authors’ philosophy, but perhaps the concrete failures of the British government could sway a reader to support independence.

The list also serves as a symbol of something significant to the signers of the Declaration of Independence. It shows that the colonists are not acting hastily or responding to “light and transient causes” and that they are decent and respectful people honoring their duty to “declare the causes which impel them” to separate from Britain. The list of causes forcing them to dissolve their ties to the British reinforces the morality of their actions. It helps prove that they are acting on principle, unlike the king who continues to abuse his power. Their thorough criticism of the existing government suggests that the new government to be formed will avoid these shortcomings. It will succeed where the British government has failed in protecting the “unalienable rights” of Americans.