What grievance contributed to the American colonies' decision to declare independence?

• A. They wanted representation in Parliament to be reduced
• B. They protested the Tea Act
• C. They believed they were not fairly represented in Parliament
• D. They supported taxation without representation

Answer: (C)

Colonists believed Parliament did not truly represent their interests and they had no real voice in the laws that taxed them. This lack of fair representation is the main reason they sought independence, tied to the famous idea of “no taxation without representation.” So this grievance best matches the move toward independence. Protests like the Tea Act were important, but they illustrate a specific incident rather than the overarching cause, and wanting representation reduced or supporting taxation without representation would not fit with the actual colonial stance.