1. The Declaration of Independence
Questions

2. The Declaration of Independence
According to the beginning of the Declaration, what is its purpose?
2. What are the “certain unalienable rights” that Jefferson names in the beginning of the Declaration?
Life
liberty
the pursuit of happiness
Explain the colonist’s actions to the world

3. The Declaration of Independence
3. How do you interpret the phrase “the pursuit of happiness”?
4. What does Jefferson say is the source of a government’s power?
People can do what they want as long as it is legal and does not hurt others.
Its citizens

4. The Declaration of Independence
5. According to the Declaration, what is the main purpose of government?
6. According to the Declaration, what is the main purpose of the king’s recent actions?
To protect its citizen’s rights
Establish his total authority over the colonies.

5. The Declaration of Independence
7. What is the longest part of the Declaration devoted to detailing?
At the end of the Declaration, what does Jefferson declare in regards to the political connections between Britain and the colonies?
The injuries the colonists suffered under British rule.
All political connections are totally dissolved.