Declaration of

Independence
Objective
You will be able to define key terms and phrases used within the Declaration
of Independence.

You will be able to explain what ideas and values were contained in the
Declaration of Independence.
Listen
Listen (Optional) -- Follow along on page 137
Read
Re-read the section titled “Declaring Independence” on pages 126-129 in your
textbook.

What types of grievances were listed against King George III?

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Listen
Read
Click on the portrait of John Locke to the right to
learn a little bit more about him. Answer the
question below.

What is Locke’s view on the purpose of

government?

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Analyze
The following two slides contain excerpts from the Declaration of
Independence. Follow the instructions below to assist you with your analysis.

1. Read each excerpt. You may annotate with the comment tool or highlight
the text.
2. Identify key words and phrases that stand out to you.
3. Identify the main idea of the text. What kinds of things does it discuss?
4. Re-write the excerpt in your own words.
Declaration of Natural Rights, Part 1
Text:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their
Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of
Happiness.

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the
consent of the governed,

Key words or phrases: Main idea:

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Re-write in your own words:

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Declaration of Natural Rights, Part 2
Text:
That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the
People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles
and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and
Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for
light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed
to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are
accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object
evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off
such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

Key words or phrases: Main idea:

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Re-write in your own words:

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Analyze, Part 2
In this second section, you will look closely at the “Grievances” section of the
Declaration of Independence, identifying textual evidence that refers to some
of the causes of the American Revolution.

Using the table on the next slide, identify quotes from pages 138-139 in your
textbook that make reference to events we learned about in class.
Analyze, Part 2
Textual Reference in the Declaration of
Cause of the American Revolution
Independence

Intolerable Acts (Quartering soldiers & more)

Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act

Sugar Act
Quiz
Click here to test your knowledge!
Re-take until you get 90% accuracy.
Extension
Read this article here from StudySync. When finished, answer the two questions below.

What rights do you think all humans should What are the primary differences between
be given? How should governments limit school rules and natural rights? How much
those freedoms, if at all? freedom should you have at school?

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