The Declaration of Independence lists 27 grievances against King George III, a key feature of the text highlighted by America250.
After its opening statement of political principles, the Declaration presents a long indictment of the king. The grievances accuse the monarch of actions such as obstructing colonial self-government, interfering with courts, maintaining standing armies, restricting trade, and imposing coercive measures.
The list was intended to explain why the colonies considered separation justified. It was not simply a complaint about taxation; the document presents a broader argument about government, rights, representation, and the relationship between a ruler and a people.
Counting can be confusing because editions sometimes format the grievances differently, and some paragraphs contain multiple accusations. Standard historical descriptions identify 27 grievances. The number applies to the grievances section, not to the Declaration’s total number of paragraphs, signers, or clauses.