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Declaration of Independence

Definition

A declaration of independence is a formal announcement by a group or territory that it is no longer under the control or authority of another country. It signifies the establishment of a new political entity.

Analogy

Imagine you and your best friend sharing a room. One day, you decide to declare independence from your friend's rules and create your own set of rules for your half of the room. You are essentially creating your own mini-country within the bigger room.

Related terms

Revolution: A revolution refers to an abrupt or fundamental change in power, often through force or violence, where one government is replaced by another.

Self-Determination: Self-determination is the right of people to decide their own political status and form of government without interference from external forces.

Nation-State: A nation-state is a sovereign state whose citizens share a common culture, language, history, or ethnicity. It represents both a political and cultural unit.

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.