2. Why is this document so important to the American people? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wcZK2CF3mZ8

3. Preview Describe from your own experience or imagine a situation in which you feel the need to be independent.

4. After over 150 years of self- government for the colonies, King George III of Great Britain began to establish new policies on the colonies.

5. French and Indian War

6. NO TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

8. First Continental Congress King George III

9. Battle of Lexington and Concord

10. The Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson Second Continental Congress http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0LmYEjXNIg& safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1

11. Check Warm-up Answers 1. The American colonists had begun to experience their own self- government 2. Who was the king of Great Britain starting in 1760? King George III 3. Why did he implement the policy of mercantilism on the colonies? to gain as much wealth from the colonies as possible

12. 4. After 1763, Great Britain began to tax the colonies. Why? To help pay of the war debts from the French and Indian War 5. The colonists protested the taxes and boycotted English goods. What did they hope the British would do? Repeal the taxes 6. What did the British actually do? Add more taxes

13. 7. What was the purpose of the First Continental Congress in 1774? Ask that King George restore the colonists rights and extend the boycott 8. King George responded to the requests of the Congress by sending More troops 9. What was the purpose of the Second Continental Congress? Declare independence

14. Did the colonists have the right to ask for independence? This is how they felt about the king and their independence http://www.schooltube.com/video/e1895c4c1683c3124733/ Too-Late-to-Apologize-A-Declaration

15. Reading Activity 1. Read Textbook pages 36-38

18. Make your own document – The Declaration of Independence Date of the Document July 4, 1776 Author of the Document Thomas Jefferson

19. Purpose of Document 1. To declare the colonies independent from Great Britain 2. State grievances against the king How did the document influence the Constitution? 1. Affirmed (stated) that people had unalienable rights 2. Established that all people are equal under the law

20.  What Fundamental Principles of American Government did the Declaration of Independence have in it?  Democracy (The people rule. Governments protect people’s rights.)  Consent of the Governed (The government can do only those things the people give it permission to do).