Declaration of Independence

The Declaration, written in the language of the 18th century, may not be easy to read in the 21st century. But the language is eloquent and beautiful. And the principles it expresses are essential to our identity as a nation. Read it here.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

Full text of the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives

'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. ...' Transcription of the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." Read the transcription of the full document of the Declaration of Independence.

In Congress, July 4, 1776. The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America: When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary...