{
  "type": "content",
  "globalId": "550e8400-e29b-41d4-a716-446655441000",
  "sequence": 0,
  "title": "The Declaration of Independence",
  "instructions": "Read about three big ideas from 1776 that still shape democracies today.",
  "suggestedTime": 5,
  "isOptional": false,
  "html": "<h1>The Declaration of Independence</h1>\n\n<p>In 1776, the thirteen American colonies decided to break away from Great Britain. They wrote down their reasons in the <strong>Declaration of Independence</strong>. The document explained a powerful idea: governments exist to serve the people — not the other way around.</p>\n\n<img src=\"media/images/declaration-preamble.jpg\" alt=\"The original handwritten preamble of the Declaration of Independence, beginning 'When in the Course of human events...'\" class=\"cg-img-md\" />\n\n<h2>Why it still matters</h2>\n\n<p>The Declaration laid out three big ideas that still shape democracies around the world today:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><strong>Natural rights</strong> — every person is born with certain rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. No government can take these away.</li>\n  <li><strong>Equality before the law</strong> — all people should be treated the same way by the law. No one is above it, no matter how rich or powerful.</li>\n  <li><strong>Popular sovereignty</strong> — the power of the government comes from the people. Citizens choose their leaders, and they can change them.</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>These ideas didn't stay in America. They inspired revolutions and constitutions in France, Latin America, and dozens of other countries. They still guide how we think about freedom and fairness today.</p>\n\n<p>Read more on Wikipedia: <a href=\"https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Declaration_of_Independence\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">United States Declaration of Independence</a>.</p>"
}