1. Declaration of Independence
We will explain how the colonies came to declaring their independence and then identify the beliefs and principles reflected in the Declaration of Independence using a matrix and annotated notes.

2. Preview-Class discussion
What do you already know about the Declaration of Independence?

3. Declaration of Independence
Date: July 4, 1776 Place: Independence Hall, Philadelphia, PA Author: Thomas Jefferson, helped by Ben Franklin and John Adams

4. Independence Hall

5. 55 men from 13 Colonies

6. What these men faced
Convincing each other independence was the proper course
Should all the colonies join Massachusetts in outright rebellion
The Heat of Pennsylvania Summers
The threat of the British Army
Possible death penalties to those that signed the seditious document

7. The How
We will explain how the colonies came to declaring their independence and then identify the beliefs and principles reflected in the Declaration of Independence using a matrix and annotated notes.
Working as a group, read your section of the Declaration of Independence making annotated notes on the right side of the text.

8. Themes of the declaration
We will explain how the colonies came to declaring their independence and then identify the beliefs and principles reflected in the Declaration of Independence using a matrix and annotated notes.
In your group, find examples of:
Social contract
Right to revolution
Popular sovereignty
Natural (individual) rights
Highlight/annotate these examples in your notes.

9. Themes of the declaration
We will explain how the colonies came to declaring their independence and then identify the beliefs and principles reflected in the Declaration of Independence using a matrix and annotated notes.
Switch groups
Share with your new group your notes and thoughts about the section you read and annotated.
Complete matrix with new group.

10. Reflection/closure Class Discussion of Declaration
Homework - Pretend you are King George III and write a letter that responds to the Declaration and the colonists breaking up with you.