1. Do you know the name of the document which contains the words: “ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal”

2. The Declaration of Independence “ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal”

3. Do you know who wrote the words? “ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal”

4. Thomas Jefferson “ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal”

5. Do you know in what year these words were written? “ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

6. 1776 “ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

7. What do you think these words mean? Explain. “ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

8. Do you agree with these words, why or why not? “ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

9. Jefferson : Hero or Hypocrite Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, gave us many of our ideas about democratic government. In addition to being a Founding Father, and serving as the nation’s third President, Jefferson was renown for his encyclopedic knowledge of farming, architecture, and science. However, Jefferson is not without his critics. Many have pointed out that the man who penned the famous words “all men are created equal” was also a slave holder, and his plans for expanding the United States led to trampling the rights of Native Americans. What do you think? Was Jefferson a hero or hypocrite? How should we evaluate his role in our history ?

10. Declaration To say something publicly, either in writing or orally

11. liberty freedom

12. Dissolve To come apart

13. Unalienable Can’t be taken away from a person

14. Pursuit To go after something

15. Consent agreement

16. Alter To change something

17. Abolish To end or do away with

18. abuses mistreatments

19. Despotism An unfair government or ruler or dictator