Declaration of Independence: Legitimacy Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)

Quote #4

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. (38)

Jefferson further supports the legitimacy of the colonial declaration by reminding the reader of how much the colonists tried to find another way to resolve their grievances. They tried so hard, but the British wouldn't listen, and actually just amped up the oppression, making everything worse. That makes the desire for full-out independence pretty justifiable.

Quote #5

…as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. (46)

To close out the Declaration, the final paragraph finally declares independence and establishes a new government of the United States. Here Jefferson and company prove that they know what independence entails, and have thought about the true significance of being their own nation. They're thinking ahead, which further legitimizes the Continental Congress as governmental body. True, there's potentially a lot included under "all other Acts and Things," but if he listed everything it would have been about fifty pages, and no one wants that.