The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and Thomas Jefferson was its principal author. This plain-language version keeps the meaning of the original while using words fourth and fifth graders can read with confidence.
It covers the opening ideas, that all people are created equal and have rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments get their power from the consent of the governed. It also summarizes the list of grievances against King George III that explained why the colonies chose independence.
Reading support
- Key vocabulary defined beside the text
- Questions for close reading and discussion
- Side-by-side with the original wording for comparison