dbq – declaration of independence document analysis questions
TRANSCRIPT
DBQ – Declaration of Independence
Document Analysis Questions
The Ideals of the Declaration:
Which is Most Important?
Key Vocabulary1) Independence – to not depend
on anyone or anything else; to be on your own.
2) Grievances - complaints3) Ideals – principles that you
look up to; the highest goals you can aim for
4) Self-evident - obvious5) Unalienable rights – rights that
can not be taken away6) Consent – permission7) Alter – change8) Abolish – get rid of; destroy
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration
Background Essay
Parts of the Declaration
Part Purpose1. Introduction We should explain why we are doing this2. Ideals What we believe about government3. Grievances List of ways the British government has been bad4. Declaration (that we are independent)
The intro. to the Declaration of Independence
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
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, --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.
4 Ideals in the Declaration
EqualityUnalienable rightsConsent of the governedRight to alter or abolish government
Document A1. Which of the four beliefs is highlighted in this
document?2. What do you think this principle meant to most
Americans in 1776?3. What does “men” mean to 260 women and 40
men present at Seneca Falls?4. What does equality mean to Diana Pham?5. How might you use this document to argue that
“equality” is the most important ideal in the Declaration of Independence?
Document B1. Which of the four beliefs is the focus of this
document?2. In the cartoon who is adding the words “plus
Health Care” to the Declaration of Independence?
3. Why do you think Sullivan says he believes in the pursuit of happiness, rather than happiness itself? Do you agree with him?
Document B4. Is it possible for a society to achieve equality without liberty? 5. Can a society to achieve liberty without equality? Explain.6. How might you use this document to argue that the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is the most important ideal in the Declaration of Independence?
Document C1. Which of the four ideals
is the focus of this document?
2. Why did the students protest at Tiananmen Square? What was the result?
3. In a government based on the “consent of the governed”, who is the ultimate authority?
Document C4. In a country like China, do you think it is possible to achieve liberty without the “consent of the governed”?5. Can you achieve happiness without the “consent of the governed”?6. How might you use this document to argue that “consent of the governed” is the most important ideal in the Declaration of Independence?
Document D1. Which of the four
beliefs is the focus of this document?
2. What is the overall message of this photograph?
3. What is the Tea Party?
Document D4. What does the Tea Party hope to achieve – altering or abolishing the government? Give evidence to support your answer. 5. How might you use this document to argue that the right of the people to alter or abolish government is the most important ideal in the Declaration of Independence?6. What is more important: equality or the right to alter or abolish one’s government?
4 Ideals in the Declaration
EqualityUnalienable rightsConsent of the governedRight to alter or abolish government
The Ideals of the Declaration:
Which is Most Important?
Resources on the Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_transcript.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OI7itQJpfE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eccgj5u_Ydchttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvOZs3g3qIo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_56cZGRMx4