Declaration of Independence Calhoun Academy 4th Grade

The YouTube Declaration Rap is Linked to this Photo

Declaration of Independence This Picture is linked to the School House Rock Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence A committee was formed to draft the Declaration of Independence which was a document explaining why the colonists wanted independence Thomas Jefferson was a member of this committee and had a reputation of being quiet, very intelligent, and an excellent writer. John Adams believe that Jefferson should write the Declaration of Independence and was named the chief author of the Declaration of Independence

Major Ideas of the Declaration of Independence There are 4 major ideas that were reflected in the Declaration of Independence: “All men are created equal…” – Although Jefferson did not recognize the rights of African American or women and all men (passed on class) were not treated equally, this phrase is the fundamental principal of American Government

Major Ideas of the Declaration of Independence “…they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” – Rights are not given to men by their government but are inherent (given to us as birth, some say by God) and undeniable

Major Ideas of the Declaration of Independence “to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their post powers from consent of the governed” – The purpose of government is to protect the rights of the people

Major Ideas of the Declaration of Independence “whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it” – If the government does not protect the rights of the people, it is the right of the people to change their government

Declaration of Independence Also included a list of grievances (complaints) against King George III in order to persuade/prove that the rights of the people had been violated Therefore the people had the right to abolish their old government and form a new one The Declaration concludes with a formal statement declaring the colonists’ independence from England

Declaration of Independence Congress approved this document on July 4, 1776 All of the Continental Congress gathered to sign this document John Hancock signed the document first Thomas Paine wrote a persuasive pamphlet supporting independence call Common Sense to further the cause

Patriots vs. Loyalists Colonists who opposed British rule were known as Patriots Colonists who remained loyal to King George and the British government were known as Loyalists

You Decide…Are you a Loyalist or a Patriot?

Liberty Kids Click the picture below to watch the Liberty Kids Video on the First July 4th