The Declaration of Independence

Let’s Review! What is mercantilism? What was the impact of the French & Indian War? Name two ways the Colonists “protested” the Acts. (Think: Stamp Act & Tea Act) What “letter” did the First Continental Congress draft? What is significant about Lexington and Concord? What was “Common Sense”?

Some Fun Facts… Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration, though he received some help editing from other notable Americans. When the initial draft was presented…. 86 Changes were made in 1 day! Nearly 1/5 of the document was eliminated Leaving 1,337 powerful words

More Fun Facts… Franklin was the oldest Eighteen were under 40 Three were in their 20s Half were lawyers 9 were landowners, 11 were merchants The rest were doctors, ministers, & politicians… Most members actually signed on August 02, not July 04

The Significance of “u” “The unanimous Declaration of the united States of America” …why do you think these words were left in lower case letters?

What Was at Risk? By signing the Declaration, these 56 men (all British colonists) were committing treason, or crimes against the government. What could happen to them if they were caught? “ We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly, we shall all hang separately.” - Benjamin Franklin

Why were the 56 signers willing to risk their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor by signing the Declaration?

Review: There are four major parts of the Declaration: INTRO RIGHTS of the People (Natural Rights) COMPLAINTS of the Colonists (Grievances) DECLARATION of a new Nation – the united States (hint: remember the colonists were IRC’D, or “annoyed.”)

Explains why the Continental Congress drew up the Declaration “When in the Course of Human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another……………. a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation…” Introduction

Rights The second part of the Declaration lists the natural rights of the citizens. It explains that in a republic, people form a government to protect their rights. LET’S ANALYZE THIS! “ We hold these truths to be self-evident (clearly true), that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable (inalienable) rights (Cannot be taken away), 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! (permission of the people)… that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government. (Social contract = natural rights + the role of the government) According to this, what is the relationship between natural rights and the role of the government?

Complaints Lists the colonists grievances against the British government Who is singled out? Examples- WRITE THESE DOWN He refused assent to laws (laws written by the Colonies) He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without Consent of our legislature (quartering soldiers) He…has imposed taxes on us without our consent He has taken away our right to a trial by jury He has limited our judicial powers He has dissolved our legislatures Overall the colonists were oppressed (unjust treatment) by the tyranny of the King. What is the connection between these grievances and natural rights?

Declaration of a New Nation The final section declares that the colonies are “13 Free and Independent States”. What is significant about that statement? The states now had the power to wage war, to form alliances and to trade with other nations.

How Do You Feel About Your Government? Now that we’ve discussed the Declaration, what grievances do you have against your “government” system at school? List three in the margin of your packet. Social contract: Do you give up certain freedoms at school and what can you expect in return?