What were the two goals of the Declaration of Independence?

The first
goal of the Declaration of Independence was to outline the legitimate complaints of the
colonists against Parliament. Keep in mind that many in the colonies still saw a compromise as
possible between the colonies and Britain. Several people were worried that independence would
lead to unintended consequences such as a domestic tyranny or foreign takeover. Jefferson
outlined the abuses against Parliament and even stated that the people had a right to abolish
the government when it did not protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson
even states that the decision to overthrow the government should not be taken lightly. By doing
this he makes the colonists appear quite reasonable. Jefferson hoped that this document might
push some colonists into supporting the independence movement.

The second
goal was to state what the ideals of the new government would be if and when the colonists
succeeded in gaining their independence. It is easy to forget that the colonists did not know
how the revolution would end. Jefferson stated the lofty goals that government existed by
consent of the governed and that the people should have the rights of life, liberty, and the
pursuit of happiness. This was an ideal government, as in the colonies at the time everyone did
not enjoy these rights as slavery still existed.