What was the Declaration of Independence written to explain?

What was the Declaration of Independence written to explain?

The introductory sentence states the Declaration’s main purpose, to explain the colonists’ right to revolution. In other words, to declare the causes which impel them to the separation. Congress had to prove the legitimacy of its cause. It had just defied the most powerful nation on Earth.

Who was the most famous person to sign the Declaration of Independence?

John Hancock’s

How much is an original copy of the Declaration of Independence worth?

Probably the most common question we get in the Americana department is “I found an original copy of the Declaration of Independence—is it worth anything?” The short answer: it’s worth somewhere between zero and ten million dollars.

How much is an original copy of the Constitution worth?

The FBI estimated the document, one of 14 copies of the Bill of Rights commissioned by President George Washington, is worth $30 million, but experts said it is impossible to set a price on it.

How hard is it to steal the Declaration of Independence?

It’s pretty impossible, according to a spokesperson for the National Archives. Housed at the National Archives since 1952, the Declaration has had a bumpy life — at one point it was even repaired with Scotch tape — but no one has ever attempted to break into the Archives and actually steal it.

What would happen if you stole the Declaration of Independence?

The perpetrator would be charged with reaming and entering, willful damage of federal property, felony theft, and violating numerous other Federal laws, including attempted destruction of Federal property. If convicted, the likely result would be a very lengthy prison sentence and a huge fine.

How long would you go to jail for stealing the Declaration of Independence?

The main offences would be “Theft of major artwork[1],” which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years (and, based on the definitions in the statute, it should be called, “Theft of object of cultural heritage,” but whatever), and “Robbery of personal property of the United States[2],” which adds on another 15 years.

What is it called when you steal money from the government?

Embezzling federal money or property is a specific crime, charged in federal district court.

Is the Declaration of Independence fading?

“So you can envision how it happened.” The 240-year-old Declaration, housed in a special case in the National Archives rotunda in Washington, is now extremely faded, and much of it is barely legible. In 2002, the experts removed it from its 50-year-old encasement and examined it in preparation for a new case.

How is the Declaration of Independence protected?

So, in 1951, the Declaration was sealed in an enclosure filled with humidified helium. The original Declaration of Independence stayed in this home, located in the Rotunda of the National Archives Building, for fifty years.

Where is the Declaration of Independence kept now?

the National Archives museum

Can you visit the Declaration of Independence?

Guided Tours The tour includes the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom (home to the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights) and the Public Vaults permanent, interactive exhibit gallery. Individuals and groups may reserve up to 15 spaces for the Guided Tour.