The 27 grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence (1776)
The list of wrongs that gave birth to a Nation. The American colonies’ formal list of complaints against King George III that justified the break from British rule by detailing how the King had violated the colonists' rights.
Violations of Law and Representation
1. He has refused his Assent to Laws -- The King wouldn’t approve laws needed for the public good.
2. He has forbidden Governors to pass laws -- Governors couldn’t pass laws without royal approval, which was rarely given.
3, He has refused to pass laws unless the people gave up representation -- Trying to force colonists to surrender legislative power.
4, He has called together legislative bodies in inconvenient places --To tire and discourage lawmakers from opposing him.
5, He has dissolved Representative Houses --He shut down colonial legislatures for resisting his abuses.
6, He has refused to allow new elections -- Left colonies without legislative power, vulnerable to royal rule.
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Obstruction of Justice and Judicial Power
7. He has obstructed justice -- Refused to establish fair judiciary powers.
8, He has made judges dependent on him -- Judges’ salaries and jobs were controlled by the King.
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Standing Armies and Military Power
9. He has kept standing armies in peacetime -- Without consent of colonial legislatures.
10. He has made the military superior to civil power -- Undermining civilian government.
11. He has combined with others to subject us to foreign laws -- Referring to Parliament’s interference.
12. He has quartered troops among us -- Forced colonists to house British soldiers.
13. He has protected soldiers from punishment -- British troops who committed crimes were immune from justice.
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Trade and Economy
14. He has cut off our trade -- Closed ports and restricted commerce with the rest of the world.
15. He has imposed taxes without our consent-- The famous grievance leading to "No taxation without representation."
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Trial Rights and Due Process
16. He has deprived us of trial by jury -- Especially in admiralty (naval) courts for trade violations.
17. He has transported us overseas for trial -- Accused persons sent to Britain for trial, far from home and fair jury.
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Colonial Boundaries and Self-Government
18. He has abolished colonial laws and charters -- Altered established systems of self-government.
19. He has suspended our legislatures --Took over governance directly by the Crown.
20. He has declared us out of his protection and waged war against us-- The King labeled colonists as enemies.
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Acts of War and Violence
21. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts -- Direct acts of war.
22. He has sent large armies of foreign mercenaries -- Referring to the use of Hessian troops.
23. He has excited domestic insurrections -- Encouraged rebellion among enslaved people and Native Americans.
24. He has caused Native American attacks-- Inciting violence on the frontier.
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Attempts to Reconcile Rejected
25. We have petitioned humbly; he has answered with repeated injury -- All peaceful appeals were ignored.
26. We have warned and reminded our British brethren-- Britain also ignored pleas for justice and reason.
27. We are therefore forced to separate -- A final justification for declaring independence.