How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. (1)
Right from the get-go, Jefferson puts a high premium on good conduct. The first thing he does is assure the reader that he will explain why the colonies are claiming independence because of "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires" it. Despite the decades of frustration leading up to this moment, the Declaration does not begin with a fiery rant (admittedly not Thomas' style), but with a promise that there is a very good reason for this action to be taken. He invokes respect and responsibility.
Quote #2
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…(2)
This line, maybe unsurprisingly, is related to a number of themes. It's famous for a reason; it makes a very big claim in, let's face it, a pretty snazzy way. The principle that all men are equal and have inherent rights as human beings is given as one of the reasons for independence, bringing morality and the treatment of others into the equation. King George seems to have forgotten this "self-evident" fact, but the colonists sure didn't.
Quote #3
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes…(5)
Declaring independence is a big deal, that's probably pretty clear to everyone involved. Jefferson made sure to clearly state the colonies' awareness that separating themselves from the country that founded them, their mother country, should not be done without a very good reason. Again, we see an emphasis on proper conduct and behaving morally.
Quote #4
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. (32)
All of the abuses on the long list here can be seen as evidence that the British government has violated one principle or another. Some are more obvious than others (like the one where King George was sending mercenaries to kill colonists), but this is an example of a more subtle one. What principle(s) is Jefferson saying the King and Parliament have violated? How does his accusation here relate to accusations in other sections of the text?
Quote #5
They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. (44-45)
This comes from the paragraph where Jefferson talks at some length about how they tried to get the British people on board and were thoroughly ignored. Jefferson's ideas of humanity compel him to have a good reason for breaking with their former countrymen, while still recognizing that those former countrymen have the same rights as the colonists. Instead of resorting to resentment or name-calling, the author upholds the principles he stated just a few paragraphs ago, that they are all equal.