In 1775, settlers in the New World began to rebel against the British monarchy. The American Revolution had begun. The colonists no longer supported the British government. After a bloody eight-year war, the New World finally gained independence from Great Britain. America was now a new country. As a new developing country, the American people and leaders decided to form a democratic government. This new, democratic government was and still is based on ideas of freedom, equality, citizen participation and freedom. These ideas were used to write the Bill of Rights and the Constitution. They are also shown in the rights and responsibilities of citizens. 175 years after America gained independence, our democratic government still stands strong. Why? Because the rights and responsibilities of a U.S. citizen protect the fundamental ideas on which America was built and still defends today. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” - Opening of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas JeffersonThe colonists in America longed for...