Zinn’s thesis 1:
The Bill of Rights was only added after popular protest; the Constitution is not written in the same spirit as the Declaration of Independence: the latter was revolutionary in its language while the Constitution merely reflects the interests of wealth and property.

Zinn’s thesis 2:
The Declaration of Independence did not grant women the rights it granted men.

Zinn’s thesis 3:
Change in a democracy comes from the bottom up, from protest, and not from the top.

Zinn’s thesis 4:
The government was only moved to reform by the actions of organized citizens.

Zinn’s thesis 5:
Protestors represent the people; indeed, protests represent the real democratic face of the American people. Without protest, there would be no progress due to the selfish nature of the rich and powerful in society.