The Declaration of Independence

John Trumbull: Declaration of Independence Declaration of Independence, oil on canvas by John Trumbull, 1818; in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Washington, D.C.

Essential Question (Aim):

How does the Declaration of Independence reflect Enlightenment principles and serve as a statement of American ideals?

I CAN: "I CAN explain the Declaration of Independence's purpose by analyzing it as a primary source."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKJMWHCUoiw

Domain Vocabulary

• Declaration of Independence: A formal statement, written in 1776, that announced the American colonies' break from Great Britain.

• Natural Rights: Rights that people are born with and that cannot be taken away (e.g., life, liberty).

• Enlightenment: A period in European history when thinkers used reason and science to challenge ideas about government and human rights.

• Social Contract: An agreement between the people and their government; the people agree to be governed, and the government agrees to protect their rights.

• Grievances: A list of formal complaints.

• Ideals: The principles or values that a person or group believes are most important.

Part Part 1: Do Now (5 minutes)

Directions: Today, we will analyze one of the most famous "breakup letters" in history. Before we read the historical document, let's think about the ingredients of any formal separation. Answer the questions below.

Prompt:

1. Imagine you needed to formally end a relationship (with a friend, a sports team you're quitting, or even a bad habit). What are the key things you would need to say or write to make your reasons perfectly clear?

2. Why is it important to formally explain your reasons for leaving, instead of just walking away without saying anything?

Part 2: Decoding the Declaration (20 minutes)

Activity: The Declaration of Independence has three main parts:

1. The Preamble, which explains the ideals all people are entitled to,

2. a list of grievances (complaints) against the King, and

3. the official statement of separation. We will analyze the first two parts.

A. The Preamble: A Statement of American Ideals

Directions: Read the famous excerpt from the Preamble below.

Then, using the Think-Ink-Pair-Share method, complete the graphic organizer.

“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, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government...”

Question	Your Answer (Based on the Text)
1. What are the three “unalienable rights” that all people are born with?
2. According to the text, what is the main purpose of government? (Why do governments exist?)
3. What does the text say people have the right to do if a government fails to do its job?
4. How do these ideals (our rights, the purpose of government) create a powerful statement about what America should be?

B. The Grievances: A List of Complaints

Directions: The largest section of the Declaration is a long list of complaints against King George III. Read the selected grievances below and answer the question that follows.

• "For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us..." (Housing soldiers in civilian homes)

• "For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world..."

• "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent..."

• "He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good." (He has refused to approve necessary laws)

Based on these examples, what was the main problem the colonists had with British rule? Summarize their complaints.

Part 3: Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

Directions: Answer the following question in the space below.

Prompt: What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?