Educating Young People about the Constitution

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Being An AmericanLesson 1:

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

“The object of the Declaration of Independence…to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion.”

~Thomas Jefferson, 1825

“On the distinctive principles of the Government…of the United States, the best guides are to be found in…the Declaration of Independence, as the fundamental Act of Union of these States.”

~James Madison, 1825

Critical Engagement Question

What does the Declaration of Independence reveal about American Ideals?

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The Declaration of Independence

Objectives

• Examine the famous phrases of the Declaration of Independence.

• Understand the purpose and structure of the Declaration of Independence.

• Analyze the concept of inalienable rights.

• Analyze the concept of the social compact and government by consent.

• Appreciate the American ideals of liberty and government by consent.

Portraits and Signatures of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence-1776

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The Declaration of Independence

Background/Homework

Distribute Handout A: Declaration Scavenger Hunt Slips and:1) Define/describe each

term.

2) Determine how each term relates to the Declaration of Independence.

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The Declaration of Independence

Pictures: (top left to bottom right) Martin Luther King Jr; Abraham Lincoln; John Hancock; King George III

Warm-Up

• Discuss your responses to Handout A• Review The Declaration of Independence (Appendix

A) • Complete Handout B: The Structure of The

Declaration

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The Declaration of Independence

Dunlap Broadside of the Declaration of Independence. Notice the signatures. Why do you think it was signed like this?

Activity

• Share your responses on Handout B

• Discuss the following questions:1) What is the purpose of each

section?2) Why include a long list of

grievances?3) What was the reason for

pointing out that the colonists had tried to get the King to change the way he treated them?

4) Which do you believe is the most important section? Why?

Part of the Committee of Five, who assigned the task of writing the Declaration of Independence to Thomas

Jefferson 7

The Declaration of Independence

Activity continued

• Complete Handout C: Key Excerpts.• Underline what you consider to be the key phrases.• Share your responses with the class.

John Trumbull’s painting of the Declaration of Independence - 1819

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The Declaration of Independence

Activity 2

• Complete Handout D: The Declaration, the Founders, and Slavery.

• Discuss the question: How, if at all, does this information help you understand the topic of the Founders’ views on slavery?

1 of 201 copper plate engravings done by William J. in 1823

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The Declaration of Independence

Wrap-Up

• Discuss the following questions:1) As Americans, should

we be proud of this document?

2) What does the Declaration tell the world about the United States?

3) Are the ideals expressed in the Declaration outdated, or are they still true today?

4) Do these ideals matter to you? If so, how and why?

Reading of The Declaration of Independence. East Balcony-Old State House-Boston. 1776 10

The Declaration of Independence

Homework

• Read Handout E : A Note on the Signers and answer the critical thinking questions.

• Draw an illustration representing each section of the Declaration of Independence.

• Choose one signer and write a bibliography and resume for him.

Independence Hall-Philadelphia, PAPlace where the Declaration of Independence was signed.

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The Declaration of Independence

Extensions

• Investigate ways the Declaration of Independence has been used by historical leaders to expand the blessings of liberty? Leaders like: Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Create a Declaration Timeline to highlight historical documents and events in which the Declaration played a part.

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The Bill of Rights