Grade 8
Social Studies
Unit: 04 Lesson: 04
Source Analysis
Source 1 & 2:
“No part of His Majesty’s dominions can be taxed without
their consent… this would seem to [contradict] the theory of
the constitution.”
—James Otis, Massachusetts legislator
“The British government enacted the Stamp Act to raise
revenue from its American colonies for the defense of North
America. Prime Minister George Grenville (1712–1770) also
wanted to establish parliament’s right to levy an internal tax
on the colonists. Viewing the act as taxation without
representation, Americans passionately upheld their rights to
be taxed only by their own consent through their own
representative assemblies. Future revolutionists saw the act
as a harbinger of greater direct taxation and the loss of
political rights. Widespread American opposition led to repeal
of the act in 1766.”
Centuries of citizenship: a constitutional timeline. Retrieved from
http://constitutioncenter.org/timeline/html/cw01_11876.html
Image Source: Creating the united states. Retrieved from
http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/creatingtheus/DeclarationofIndependence/RevolutionoftheMind/ExhibitObjects/ProtestsLeadtoRepealofStampAct.aspx?
Enlarge=true&ImageId=99140c6b-8b5b-44da-a798-53a319f34f19:d3d14bb7-0864-4454-93b0-2144a9a90156:409&PersistentId=1:99140c6b-
Sources Summary:
Author, date, themes, ideas, etc.
Analysis:
Point of view presented, bias, etc.
Which colonial grievance from the Declaration How is the grievance addressed in the U.S.
of Independence is represented?
Constitution?
©2012, TESCCC
04/09/13
page 1 of 6
Grade 8
Social Studies
Unit: 04 Lesson: 04
Source 3:
Image Source: His most gracious majesty King George the Third [Print Drawing]. Retrieved from http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/pga.03325/
“George III (1738–1820) of Great Britain had the misfortune to become king in 1760, shortly
before the drive to revolution in his American colonies began to gather momentum.
Many historians and contemporaries have blamed the stubborn, inexperienced, and mentally
unstable monarch for the repeated British miscalculations and mistakes that led to the
independence of the United States. Certainly George III displayed no creativity or imagination
in the formulation of policies toward the British colonies in America.”
Creating the united states. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://myloc.gov/Exhibitions/creatingtheus/DeclarationofIndependence/RevolutionoftheMind/ExhibitObjects/AmericasLastMonarchGeorgeIII.aspx
Sources Summary:
Author, date, themes, ideas, etc.
Analysis:
Point of view presented, bias, etc.
Which colonial grievance from the Declaration How is the grievance addressed in the U.S.
of Independence is represented?
Constitution?
©2012, TESCCC
04/09/13
page 2 of 6
Grade 8
Social Studies
Unit: 04 Lesson: 04
Source 4:
“Besides, in an absolute monarchy, the will of the prince being the law, a liberty of the press to
complain of grievances would be complaining against the law and the constitution, to which they have
submitted or have been obliged to submit; and therefore, in one sense, may be said to deserve
punishment; so that under an absolute monarchy, I say, such a liberty is inconsistent with the
constitution, having no proper subject to politics on which it might be exercised, and if exercised
would incur a certain penalty.”
This quote was elected from an article from Peter Zenger’s newspaper. Peter Zenger was put on trial
for speaking against government officials. While England had a tradition of free speech, the right was
not protected from being tried as a “seditious act” against the King.
Selected readings from the new york weekly journal. (1733). Retrieved from http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/zenger/journalissues3.html
Sources Summary:
Author, date, themes, ideas, etc.
Analysis:
Point of view presented, bias, etc.
Which colonial grievance from the Declaration How is the grievance addressed in the U.S.
of Independence is represented?
Constitution?
©2012, TESCCC
04/09/13
page 3 of 6
Grade 8
Social Studies
Unit: 04 Lesson: 04
Source 5:
“And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, That if it shall happen at any time that any
officers or soldiers in his Majesty’s service shall remain within any of the said colonies without
quarters, for the space of twenty-four hours after such quarters shall have been demanded, it
shall and may be lawful for the governor of the province to order and direct such and so many
uninhabited houses, out-houses, barns, or other buildings, as he shall think necessary to be
taken, (making a reasonable allowance for the same), and make fit for the reception of such
officers and soldiers, and to put and quarter such officers and soldiers therein, for such time as
he shall think proper.”
The avalon project: great britain. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/quartering_act_1774.asp
Sources Summary:
Author, date, themes, ideas, etc.
Analysis:
Point of view presented, bias, etc.
Which colonial grievance from the Declaration How is the grievance addressed in the U.S.
of Independence is represented?
Constitution?
©2012, TESCCC
04/09/13
page 4 of 6
Grade 8
Social Studies
Unit: 04 Lesson: 04
Source 6:
“Now, one of the most essential branches of English liberty is the freedom of one's house. A man's
house is his castle; and whilst he is quiet, he is as well guarded as a prince in his castle. This writ, if it
should be declared legal, would totally annihilate this privilege. Custom-house officers may enter our
houses when they please; we are commanded to permit their entry. Their menial servants may enter,
may break locks, bars, and everything in their way; and whether they break through malice or
revenge, no man, no court can inquire. Bare suspicion without oath is sufficient.”
James otis: against writs of assistance, february 1761. Retrieved from http://www.nhinet.org/ccs/docs/writs.htm
Sources Summary:
Author, date, themes, ideas, etc.
Analysis:
Point of view presented, bias, etc.
Which colonial grievance from the Declaration How is the grievance addressed in the U.S.
of Independence is represented?
Constitution?
Source 7:
“That in all capital or criminal prosecutions a man hath a right to demand the cause and nature of his
accusation, to be confronted with the accusers and witnesses, to call for evidence in his favor, and to
©2012, TESCCC
04/09/13
page 5 of 6
Grade 8
Social Studies
Unit: 04 Lesson: 04
a speedy trial by an impartial jury of twelve men of his vicinage, without whose unanimous consent he
cannot be found guilty; nor can he be compelled to give evidence against himself; that no man be
deprived of his liberty, except by the law of the land or the judgment of his peers.”
Virginia declaration of rights. Retrieved from http://www.constitution.org/bcp/virg_dor.htm
Sources Summary:
Author, date, themes, ideas, etc.
Analysis:
Point of view presented, bias, etc.
Which colonial grievance from the Declaration How is the grievance addressed in the U.S.
of Independence is represented?
Constitution?
©2012, TESCCC
04/09/13
page 6 of 6