1. Patriots Declare Independence!

2. Ideas Behind the Revolution

3. John Locke
People have the natural right to life, liberty, and property
Society based on a social contract
a. agreement in which people consent to choose and obey a government so long as it safeguards their natural rights.
b. If government violates the contract people have the right to revolt.

4. Limited Government Basic to English Law Magna Carta- 1215
a. limited the power of the King
b. guaranteed due process, speedy trial, and trial by peers
c. King subject by rule of law
3. English Bill of Rights
a. reinforce limitations of King’s power

5. “Right Side” BIG IDEA On the right side of your notes:
Draw a picture that represents two limitations on the government today because of the Magna Carta.

6. Thomas Paine’s – Common Sense
Pamphlet attacking King George and the monarchy
Justification for independence
a. allow America to trade more freely
b. allow America to create a better society
1. free of tyranny
2. equal social/economic opportunities for all

7. Declaring Independence
Thomas Jefferson wrote final draft
Unalienable Rights: God given rights, cannot be taken away
a. Life
b. Liberty
c. Pursuit of Happiness

8. Declaration of Independence (Continued)
3. “All Men are Created Equal”
a. politically equal
1. do not have same ability or wealth
2. Did not embrace women, Native
Americans, African-American
slaves.
3. July 2, completed Declaration of
Independence

9. Declaration of Independence
4. July 4, 1776: Declaration of Independence adopted by the Continental Congress.