We believe these truths to be obvious: that all men are created equal, and God has given them basic rights, and that among these rights are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. To protect these rights, men have created governments. Governments are only just when they have the support and agreement of the people, and whenever a government becomes destructive toward the rights of the people, the people can change it or abolish it and start a new government. It explains the many ways in which the British government has lost the support of the people.

It explains how governments are usually created and how they can be easily destroyed.

It explains the goals that the colonists have for the new government they will establish.

It explains the government's responsibility to its people and what the people's rights are if it fails.