1. THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

2. When America was young, we were ruled by England’s king… George III

3. But in July of 1776, leaders from the American colonies met in Philadelphia’s Independence Hall to declare independence

4. DECLARING INDEPENDENCE Vocabulary Declaration – a statement that declares, or announces an idea.

5. They sent a written message to the king, asking for freedoms and the right to rule themselves

6. Several American leaders helped write the Declaration of Independence, like John Adams and Benjamin Franklin…

7. But the final job was done by Thomas Jefferson of Virginia.

8. On July 4th, the Declaration of Independence was read aloud to everyone!

9. SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION 56 total signatures 2 future presidents (John Adams and Thomas Jefferson) Actually signed on August 9, 1776

10. So, what does the Declaration of Independence really say?

11. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal …”

12. What are these “rights” ? The right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

13. These basic rights are unalienable- this means that everyone is born with them and no one can take them away.

14. “…that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

15. And what is one of the most important jobs for our leaders ?