Do Now

“Live Free or Die”

In your own words, what does
this quote mean?
Learning Target/Agenda
Learning Target: I can analyze how the
Declaration of Independence justified the
Colonists’ decision to rebel
Agenda:
 Do Now: Interpret Motto
 Group Practice: background on
Declaration of Independence
 Individual Practice: analysis of
Declaration of Independence w/partner
 Homework: Opinion paragraph
 Notes
D.o.I. Background:
 written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776

 contains two parts:

•Declares independence from Great Britain
•Lists the Colonists’ grievances (complaints)
with Great Britain as reasons for rebelling
 Notes
Philosophical Background:
 Natural/Inalienable Rights: rights people are
born with that can never be taken away or violated

 Social Contract: people agree to give up certain

liberties in exchange for order and protection from
the government

 John Locke: Colonists based the Declaration of

Independence on his social contract
 Homework
Answer the following question in a
paragraph of at least five sentences

Were the Colonists justified (right

or wrong) in rebelling against
Great Britain?

Use the Declaration of Independence as

evidence to support your answer.