The Declaration of Independence (U.S.A.) - Political

[voidsoul]

One thing I'm wondering about is, what was Britain supposed to do to maintain itself and the colonies as one country?
From the summary that Samerron posted in the "General" discussion thread, it seems that it should have given them the right to be represented in the Parliament.

In a more general sense then, how does any country maintain itself as one country?
With all the rights spoken about in the Declaration of Independence, a people can split off and form their own country on a whim.
Though that may not be in keeping with the spirit of the Declaration, it still seems to be an allowed option.

Then, is it only a matter of military strength and will?

[Samerron]

I strongly believe that in power and capability. To think of it, the act of colonization in the first place occurred due to the power and capability of the colonizer, which is England.

Now, in order for a section of a government to split off and form a new country, it is something more complicated that it seems. Until now, I agree with what has been mentioned in the Declaration:

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

These ends are the certain truths to be self-evident, including:

* All men are created equal
* All have right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
* The government derives power from the people

Therefore, having laws and taxes imposed on the North American British Colony with no representatives in the parliament (i.e. not allowing the people to govern themselves), stationing English soldiers with no valid reason and cutting off settlers' trade with other parts of the world... all these has resulted in depriving the people’s democracy and urging them to forcefully abide by England’s plan i.e. a form of slavery.

The people of North America were educated and civilized, and started revolting using descent methods as it is presented in the Declaration, but the English didn’t agree to their demands or their acts. As tension started to develop and the demands of the people for their unalienable rights did not lead to anything

Up until this declaration, colonists have used non-violent means, such as petitions, to protest the abuses of King George III. Each attempt to request peaceful negotiations was met by neglect and more abuse.

Additionally, colonists tried to appeal to Parliament and other British citizens for help. These attempts were ignored. Colonists appealed to British citizens' sense of justice, to their shared heritage and culture, and to their economic connection. These attempts failed, however, and the colonies have no other choice but to declare separation.

Therefore, it is not justifiable for them to lead themselves and not be part of the English Government. Actually it is more than a right, it is the duty of the Americans to be independent and preserve these unalienable rights to its people.

But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.

In the end, they proved their point through facts.

[Samerron]

I was reading and want to add to the above post:

The government duty to cultivate equity among its citizens and to protect their "unalienable rights." These duties of government are so crucial that if the government ever fails to meet the needs of its citizens, the people have the right to:
1. Make every attempt to reform their government. If, however, every one of their earnest attempts to change their current government fails,
2. It is then their utmost duty to completely overthrow their government and establish a new one which will adequately provide for their needs.

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