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The document can be broken down into four parts.

Introduction: States the purpose of the document, which was to explain why the American people were declaring independence from Great Britain.

Theory: The theory that there are certain immutable rights possessed by all individuals and that these rights are not granted by the government but rather inherent to human nature and that the main purpose of a benevolent government is to secure and protect these rights. Additionally, that government is based on the consent of the governed (the people) who are the sole source of this governmental authority. Finally, that should the government persistently violate the principle of a proper and good government, then the people have the right to overthrow it.

Grievances: The third part of the document is a list of grievances against King George III, who was singled out to represent the actions of the British government. These grievances are examples of actions that violated the criteria for good government stated in the second part of the Declaration of Independence. These grievances, therefore, justify separation from the King's bad government and establishment of a good government to replace it.

Sovereignty: The fourth part of the document is an unqualified assertion of sovereignty by the United States of America. It proclaims the determination of Americans to defend and maintain their independence and rights.

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Q: What were the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence?
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