“This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before, but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.” Thomas Jefferson to Richard Henry Lee (May 8, 1825)

Colonial Charters

All colonies had a CHARTER - empowered by the KING - granted power of authority in colony - defined relationship between the mother country, England, and the American colony - expressed the purpose of the colony Viriginia (1606) - “to preach the Gospel” Mayflower Compact (1620) - 1st signed agreement/social contract in action! Fundamental Orders (1639) - 1st “Constitution” in the American colonies Colonial Charters Text Law!

Thomas Paine ( )

Born in ENGLAND but an immigrant to America in 1774 Paine’s COMMON SENSE was a best selling pamphlet advocating complete INDEPENDENCE from England Elected into the FRENCH NATIONAL CONVENTION imprisoned Deist (The Age of Reason) Thomas Paine ( )

Mankind is FREE and EQUAL by nature INSTEAD OF subject to monarchial rule Mankind’s NATURAL RIGHTS are to protect LIFE, LIBERTY & PROPERTY (POSSESSIONS) LIMITED GOVERNMENT Man has a RIGHT TO REVOLT Thomas Paine ( )

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Lexington April, 1775

Richard Henry Lee ( )

Lee’s Resolution June 7, 1776 Resolved: That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. Lee’s Resolution June 7, 1776

Lee’s Resolution June 7, 1776

Declaration of Independence July 1776

Declaration of Independence July 1776

The Declaration Read by Hollywood Actors NOTE: This is a 144 MB file - it would work best to have this downloaded and stored on a hard drive before showing to the class.