Declaration of Independence

Yesterday, you learned that the Declaration of Independence was a document written to "justify" the colonial rebellion to the rest of the world. Today, we will read the actual document and complete the assignment below:

Declaration of Independence: Student Worksheet

Each student (or group) will have a copy of the Declaration of Independence. You will use the method for reading documents in your analysis. I will review with you the first two steps in analyzing the document. For the third step or reading, answer the questions below. You may write directly on the Declaration, in your notes, or on a separate sheet of paper.

Part I: As Individuals Declaration of Independence

1. On the document underline the following and letter your answer starting at the first word of the answer:

a. What is the purpose of the Declaration? (paragraph 1)

b. What three natural or unalienable rights do men have? (paragraph 2)

c. Governments get their power from whom? (paragraph 2)

d. What must people do if government abuses its power? (paragraph 2)

2. On the Declaration, number the grievances found. (Hint: there are twenty-eight.)

3. Underline the "action" part of the document. (What are the signers going to do?) (last paragraph)

4. Place brackets around the part that shows the compact or pledge of the signers. (last paragraph)

Part II: In a Group:

1. In your groups, discuss why the grievances are actually the causes of the Revolution.

2. On a separate sheet of paper entitled "Causes of the Revolution," the group should list ten of the causes of the American Revolution.

3. Put a star next to the three causes your group feels were the most important. At the bottom of the page justify why the group chose these causes. Hand in your group assignment by the end of the period.