why was the declaration of independence so important? select all that apply
a.it set up the us government
b.it explained the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality
c. it announced that the Americans colonies were separate from great britain
d.it gave Americans the right to vote for leaders
To determine why the Declaration of Independence was so important, let's consider the options provided:
a. It set up the US government: This statement is not correct. While the Declaration of Independence was a crucial step towards independence from Great Britain, it did not establish the US government. The US government was later formed through the ratification of the Constitution in 1787.
b. It explained the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality: This statement is correct. One of the significant purposes of the Declaration of Independence was to articulate the ideals and principles upon which the new nation would be built. It declared that "all men are created equal" and entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
c. It announced that the American colonies were separate from Great Britain: This statement is correct. The Declaration of Independence formally declared the American colonies as independent from Great Britain. It severed political ties and established the United States as a new nation.
d. It gave Americans the right to vote for leaders: This statement is not correct. The Declaration of Independence did not directly grant Americans the right to vote for leaders. The structure and process of choosing leaders were addressed in subsequent documents like the Constitution.
Based on the above analysis, the correct options explaining why the Declaration of Independence was important are:
- It explained the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality.
- It announced that the American colonies were separate from Great Britain.