1. Why study social studies? Possible Answers?

2. Interesting Relevant Enjoyable Participate in the world Make informed and reasoned decisions Geography

3. “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.” What is this quote from?

4. Answer: The Declaration of Independence, 1776 New Nation based on ideals – a principle or standard of perfection that we are always trying to achieve Ideals are still being debated today 5 Ideals – Equality, Rights, Liberty, Opportunity, Democracy What do these words mean to you?

5. EQUALITY “ All men are created equal.” Definition – the state of being the same or even 1776: People left England to escape religious persecution but some people had slaves and women were treated unequally Today:

6. RIGHTS “They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” Definition – powers or privileges that are granted to people under the law 1776: Jefferson wanted universal rights(life, pursuit of happiness) for citizens Today:

7. LIBERTY “That among these rights are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Definition – freedom from control; independence 1776: Americans fought for freedom from Great Britain, however they also owned slaves Today:

8. OPPORTUNITY “that among these rights are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Definition – the chance for success 1776: Opportunity encouraged new settlers to come to America Today:

9. DEMOCRACY “…That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Definition – a form of government in which the power is given to the people 1776:Americans chose democracy as their new form of government Today:

10. The 5 IDEALS Acronym O pportunity L iberty D emocracy E quality R ights Our country grows older using these ideals even as the definitions evolve over time.