{\b The Declaration of the First Continental Congress }.
(or the Declaration of Rights)

{\b General Outline}.

The 'Declaration of Rights' embodies the revolutionary principles of the First 
Continental Congress. It was a petition addressed to the British Parliament 
requesting the repeal of certain Acts of Parliament which had infringed the 
rights of colonists.

{\b Historical Background}.

The First Continental Congress was an advisory council for the colonies. It 
met at Philadelphia from September 5th to October 26th, 1774. On October 14th, 
1774 it submitted a list of grievances to the British Parliament. The 
Continental Congress then adjourned on October 26th, 1774. The Continental 
Congress had agreed to meet again on May 10th, 1775 if the grievances were not 
addressed by Parliament.

{\b Basic Features}.

The First Continental Congress accused the British Parliament of depriving the 
colonists of their rights as Englishmen. Eleven resolutions were made defining 
the individual rights. It was said that the rights had been violated by Acts 
of Parliament. These included the Stamp Act of 1765, the Revenue Act of 1767, 
the Coercive Acts and the Quebec Act of 1774. 

The colonists believed that they had certain basic rights. These included the 
right to life, liberty and property, the right to be represented in Parliament 
and an entitlement to the protection of the English common law. They insisted 
on a separation of powers in government, since the exercise of power by King 
George III was considered to be unconstitutional.  

{\b Conclusion}.

The grievances of the American colonies contained in the Declaration of Rights 
were not rectified. The effect of the Declaration was the declaration of the 
independence of the American states one year later.