(Source: Lostpine — The 27 Grievances Explained)
🔹 1. Original Grievance
“He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.”
🔹 2. What This Meant to the Colonists
The King declared the colonies to be in rebellion and removed his protection, essentially treating them as enemies rather than citizens.
🔹 3. Historical Context
In early 1775, King George III announced to Parliament that the colonies were in open rebellion. The Prohibitory Act soon followed, cutting off trade and authorizing military action. Britain also hired Hessian mercenaries and encouraged Native American alliances against the colonists.
🔹 4. Constitutional Response
- Article I, Section 8 — Congress alone can declare war.
- Checks and balances prevent unilateral military action. The President cannot wage war without congressional approval.
🔹 5. Key Vocabulary
- Abdicate
- Rebellion
- Prohibitory Act
🔹 6. Critical Thinking Questions
- Why did colonists view the King’s declaration as abandonment?
- How does the Constitution prevent a leader from unilaterally declaring war?
- Why is shared war power important for a free society?
🔹 7. Short Writing Prompt
Explain how Grievance 23 shows the colonists’ belief that government must protect its people, not wage war against them.
🔹 8. Extension Activity
Create a timeline showing events leading from the King’s declaration of rebellion to the hiring of Hessian troops.