Why are we learning about the Declaration of Independence?

1. Why are we learning about the Declaration of Independence? • Our Content Language Objective: by the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify the three ideas The Declaration hold “self evident” • UNDERSTAND: What principles of government are expressed in the Declaration of Independence? • Production: In Groups, stuends will be able to draft your OWN pamphlet to tyrants! Oh yeah, you must be logical, honest, and peaceful

2. How did the American Colonies Declared Themselves INDEPENDENT of the King? Understanding that the coming struggle would require the steady support of ordinary people, in the Declaration of Independence, the upper-class men of the Continental Congress asserted the right of popular revolution and the great principle of human equality.

3. Today’s Activity • We are going to HEAR the actual Declaration of Independence. • After I read each section, you will add TWO details to your notes. • Pull out TWO important details to add to your Declaration then work in groups to “peer-edit” • Who are you trying to persuade? • Jefferson wrote it but there where many hands on the pen

4. The Declaration of Independence • The Declaration of Independence is made up of three main parts.

5. The Preamble (the introduction) • It states that all men are created equal • It states that the government receives its power from the people, and the people have a right to change • The ideas in the Preamble justify (give reasons) why the American colonists have the right to revolt against the British government.

6. FLASH BACK! • What is the name of the Enlightenment philosopher who came up with this idea that all people have “unalienable” or “natural” rights that cannot be taken away by the government? TURN and TALK! Who IS this guy and why was he SO important? (No Paine, no gain). Which pamphlet was partially based on these ideas?

7. Notes are important, Quiz is Friday • Check your Understanding! Remember, today our goal is for you to be able to identify and describe EACH part of the Declaration of Independence. • Without using your notes, see if you can remember the NAME of the first section of the Declaration of Independence and write a ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY of what it is all about! • Turn and Talk • On a scale of 1-10, how big of a Patriot or Loyalist would you have been? WHY?

8. Share Out = What do YOU DECLARE TO BE SELF EVIDENT? • Share your decision with your table group. • Be ready to share the best reasons out loud if I cold-call on your group!

9. Be sure to list your of Grievances (complaints) • This is the longest section of the Declaration. • It includes many complaints against King George III and the British government. • One of the primary (most important) complaints is against Britain’s taxation policies. Groups of no more than 4 • What are YOU complaining about?

10. FLASHBACK • Based on what we have learned about the causes of the American Revolution, name at least THREE things the colonists might complain about: • What are YOUR Complaints against YOUR tyrant

11. Resolution • As independent states (or people) , they/YOU have the right to make own laws and decisions. • HINT, the reason Mr K does NOT have a seating chart is because you have rights to make good or bad decisions

12. The Preamble “When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve (get rid of) the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume (take on) the separate and equal station (independence)… [it] requires that they should declare the causes which impel (force) them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident (obvious), that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator (born with) with certain unalienable (natural) rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That, to secure these rights, governments are instituted (created) among men, deriving (receiving) their just (fair) powers from the consent (permission) of the governed (people). That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends (purposes), it is the right of the people to alter (change) or to abolish (destroy) it, and to institute (create) a new government… to [ensure] their safety and happiness…” DETAILS: All people are created equal, each with natural rights that cannot be taken away. When the government does not protect its people’s rights, the people should change their government to be better.

13. With your table… • Read the next section of the Declaration of Independence • With your group, decide on TWO more details you want to add to your notes page for today.

14. On your own… Resolution “In every stage of these oppressions (wrong actions by the British king), we have petitioned (asked) for redress (pay-back) in the most humble terms: our repeated petitions (requests) have been answered only by [King George III] with repeated injury. A prince (King George III), whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant (dictator), is unfit to be the ruler of a free people… We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world… solemnly (seriously) publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states; that they are absolved (free) from all allegiance (loyalty) to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to (should) be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent states, they have full power to levy (wage) war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce (trade), and to do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do…” • Read the final section of the Declaration of Independence and add 2 details to your notes page.

15. Too Late To Apologize • During the song, identify 2 important colonial leaders and the name of the tyrant • Identify at least 1 grievance • Select Mr. K’s least favorite and favorite part • Be ready to share out • Feel free to sing along!!