The Declaration of Independence

American Government
Mr. Smith and Mr. Clodfelter

Pages 46-47 “Chapter 2, Section 2”

1. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…”
Many groups of people within our nation’s history would disagree with
that statement. Then why did our founding fathers include it in the
Declaration of Independence?

2. What do you think was their initial intent/meaning of that phrase?

3. Read through the John Locke quote and the following explanation on
page 46. Is it the government’s job to maintain/create equality for every
American?

A. African Americans and the Revolution

a. Explain how Thomas Jefferson contradicted himself on the issue of
slavery?

b. How could slaves win their freedom during the Revolutionary

War?

c. How hard would this decision be: fight in a war for your freedom
(possibly die) or continue in slavery and live? Which would you
choose?

d. What myth/idea made it “okay” to treat African Americans

unequally?
 B. Native Americans and the Revolution
a. Why did colonists not view Native Americans as equals?

b. Millions of people have died due to conflicts between the American

government and Native American people. Could that have been
avoided if Native Americans would have been treated equally?
How could the government have acted equitably?

C. Women and the Revolution

a. Women have long been some of the most active patriots in our
nation’s history. Why do you suppose it took so long for them to be
treated equally?

b. Women were seen as “too good” or too virtuous to deal with

politics. Read through the list of virtues associated with women on
page 47. Which of those values/virtues would you want in a
politician?

Pages 738-740 “The Declaration of Independence”

a. Within your groups, create a list of 10 violations the American people

claimed against King George of England.