The Declaration of Independence lists 27 grievances against King George III.
These grievances form the central accusatory section of the document. They describe actions that the colonists claimed violated their rights, including dissolving colonial legislatures, obstructing justice, maintaining standing armies, restricting trade, and imposing taxation without colonial consent.
The list was designed to explain why the colonies considered separation justified. It followed the Declaration’s statement of political principles and preceded the formal announcement that the colonies were free and independent states. Congress edited Jefferson’s draft, removing or changing some passages before approval.
The number 27 counts the grievance items traditionally identified in the Declaration’s list. It should not be confused with the 13 colonies, the 56 signers, or the document’s famous opening principles. The grievances targeted the king as the symbolic head of the British government, although Parliament and other officials were also involved in the policies described.