1. Aim #5: The Declaration of Independence
Do Now: Is it time for the colonists to declare independence? Support your position with relevant facts.
Homework: Complete the Regents Review Practice Question handout

2. The Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson using the theories of John Locke

3. Analyze the Document:
“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.”
According to the quote, why were the colonists declaring their independence?

4. A “Break-Up” Letter
The government must be representative of the people and limited in power by a recognition of basic human rights.
If the government violates these rights, the people have the right to abolish that government.

5. Analyze the Document:
“But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, … evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, … to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
Based on your study of U.S. History, how have the British abused the colonists?

6. Reasons for the “Break-Up”
The Declaration of Independence shows how the colonist’s rights were being violated by the king:
Taxation without representation
Dissolving colonial representative assemblies
Keeping British troops in the colonies

7. Continued Importance of the Declaration of Independence
Inspired principles of equal rights and popular consent
Used by people of other nations to justify their own independence (or “break-up”) from oppressive governments.

8. Wrap-Up Questions
What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
Why did the colonists feel their rights were being abused?
According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the primary job of the government?