How to Read the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence which is one of the most important documents in American history. Signed by our founding fathers, it declared our independence from Great Britain on July 4, 1776. Every American should make the time to read this document at least once in their lifetime. Read on to learn why.

Instructions

1. Read the Declaration of Independence online at the National Archives website. Click on the "National Archives Experience" link from the "Explore & Interact" menu. Select "Charters of Freedom" and then click on the "Declaration of Independence."

2. Read the transcript version of the Declaration of Independence for a clearer understanding of the words and 56 signatures. It has five distinct parts: the introduction, the preamble, the body with two sections and a conclusion. The preamble begins with the widely recognized words: "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."

3. Download a high resolution scan of the Declaration of Independence to see a clearer view of the original document and signatures. Download the Declaration of Independence from the National Archives website.

4. Visit the National Archives in Washington D.C. one of the actual copies of the Declaration of Independence. This agency is in charge of preserving our nation's most important documents.

5. Purchase a quality reproduction of the Declaration of Independence. Read you own copy whenever you want or display it on a wall.

Resources

• The official National Archives website.