Legal Document

The Declaration of Independence was a legal declaration, meaning that it was signed by delegates to Congress, and once signed, was considered law. It presented a change in the legal status of the nation, which was approved by the existing government. This document is the way that the colonies officially became an independent nation.

Of course, the colonists had to fight a bit of a war to be recognized as such, but the Declaration was considered the law of the land once it was approved. It's not just one man's thoughts about government, nor does it involve a court, but it did have a real and direct impact on the law of the United States.

How it Breaks Down

Introduction

Jefferson lays out what the document is: an explanation of why the colonies are breaking ties with Great Britain, although without naming names.

Preamble

Here's the super famous part, the paragraph where Jefferson discusses the rights of the people with relation to their government. The government exists to protect people's inherent human rights, and Jefferson presents the accusation that the British government has become tyrannical and no longer protects the citizens in the colonies.

Body, Part 1: Indictment of King George III

The first part of the body is the list. Jefferson writes a long list of relatively specific examples of the British government, primarily King George III, abusing the colonists and acting despotically.

Body, Part 2: Indictment of the British People

Jefferson reminds the readers that the colonists have tried a number of times to plead their case for better treatment, even appealing directly to the British people for support. Nothing worked, but you can't say they didn't make an effort.

Conclusion

Because of everything stated above, the good ol' U.S. of A is now independent and can do the things independent countries do. Look at all the signatures of the people who support this decision.