1. Analyzing the Declaration of Independence
We Hold these truths to be self evident that all men were created equal, and they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.
The Big Ideas, and grievances with in this historic document.

2. Big Idea #1
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”
This statement is referring to the inequality of European class system and that America was different,
It also refers to the Monarch’s belief in their divine right to govern, Jefferson is saying that all humans are capable of governing, not just Kings.
Big Idea #2
“and they are endowed by their creators, certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”
Everyone has the right to be alive, free, and happy
These are sometimes called human rights, or natural rights
Big Idea #3
“and to secure these rights, governments were instituted among men, deriving their just power from the consent of the governed,”
Mankind created government to protect their unalienable rights,
Government powers come from the people
Big Idea # 4
“and whenever any form of government becomes destructive to its means, it is the right of the people to, alter, abolish, and replace it,”
Rebellion is a human right when your government does not do the job it was created to do,
So you can rebel when governments abuse your rights

3. For quartering large bodies of troops among us;
Grievances from the Declaration of Independence
How we have addressed those grievances
For quartering large bodies of troops among us;
For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world
For imposing taxes on us without our consent.
For depriving us in many cases the benefits of a trial by jury.
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses.
The 3rd Amendment protects our privacy, no soldiers can be quartered in our homes.
Today we have a free trade system, this allows us to freely trade with everyone.
Today taxes are passed by our legislatures (Congress and State). These bodies are made up of our elected representatives.
The 7th Amendment grants us a trial by jury for civil cases.
The 6th Amendment grants us a quick and speedy trial.

4. Personal Response
Some of the big ideas in the Declaration of Independence are relevant today. In the summer of 2014, a police officer shot and killed an unarmed teenager. This incident sparked civil unrest (civil disobedience) in Missouri. Use the Junior Scholastic article, “After Ferguson” to answer the following:
What unalienable right did the people of Ferguson Missouri feel were violated? Explain, support your conclusion with an example from the article.
The Declaration states that people can alter, abolish, and replace any form of government that becomes destructive to its means. In your opinion were they, the people of Ferguson acting within their rights. Explain.