South Carolina US History EOC Standard 1 (1607-1803) Practice Test

The Declaration of Independence was primarily written to articulate the colonists' grievances against King George III and to justify their separation from British rule. One of the central themes of the document is the assertion that the King had violated the natural rights of the colonists, which were viewed as fundamental entitlements. The Declaration outlines specific instances of tyranny and injustice that demonstrate how the King's actions undermined the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. By emphasizing these violations, the Declaration aimed to rally support among the colonists and to secure international recognition of their desire for independence. This rationale clearly serves as a key reason for the creation of the document, firmly establishing it as a foundational text for American democracy that responds to governmental overreach.