Topic # 10
What basic ideas about government are in the
Declaration of Independence?
RAP:
If you were to write to the king a list of
complaints, what would you include?
Lesson Goal: Students will be able to:
1. Explain the basic ideas about government that are contained
in the Declaration of Independence.
2. Explain how the Declaration of Independence embodies the
concept of natural rights philosophy, government in a
republic, and constitutional government
3. Describe the arguments found in the Declaration of
Independence that justify the separation of the colonies from
Great Britain.
4. Explain why some colonists did not want to separate from
Great Britain.
WOW
Why was the Declaration of Independence was written
Explain how the colonists felt about King George.
Did all colonists feel the same way? If not, explain both
sides.
What were the complaints against the king?
How does the Declaration of Independence begin?
What claims does the Declaration of Independence make?
In order to dissolve a political tie, a state must?
What is self evident?
Where does a government derive its power?
WOW
Why was the Declaration of Independence was written?
The purpose was to inform King George that the bond
between Britain and the colonies was severed.
The Declaration was divided into four sections:
1. Ideals – explains how government was created
2. Arguments – why the colonies were justified in breaking ties with
Britain
3. Complaints – list of complaints against the King.
4. Conclusion – Free and Independent States.
WOW
Explain how the colonists felt about King George.
Did all colonists feel the same way? If not, explain both sides.
There were Patriots, who believed the colonies should sever their
relationship with the King, and Loyalists, who were loyal to the
King.
The Patriots believed that the King was a tyrant. A tyrant is a cruel
and oppressive ruler. They supported the Revolution.
The Loyalists did not support the Revolution. They felt loyalty to
their home country. They did not agree with the taxes, but felt loyal
to the British government
WOW
How does the Declaration of Independence begin?
The Preamble is the most famous part of the Declaration. It begins,
“We hold these truths to be self-evident.”
The Declaration begins with an introduction. It begins with, “When,
in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people
to dissolve the political bonds.”
WOW
What claims does the Declaration of Independence make?
1. Refusing to approve laws necessary for the public good
2. Seeking to destroy the colonial legislatures
3. Obstructing justice by refusing to give certain powers to the
colonial courts
4. Keeping standing armies in time of peace
5. Requiring the quartering or housing of British soldiers
6. Imposing taxes without the consent of the people to be taxes
7. Cutting off trade between the colonies and all parts of the world.
8. In some cases, denying the colonists the right to trial by jury.
WOW
In order to dissolve a political tie, a state must?
If a government violates the natural law, the people have the
right to change or abolish, put to an end, that government and form
a new one.
WOW
What is self evident? - Obvious, easy for everyone to understand
1. All men are created equal
2. They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights
3. Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their Powers
from the Consent of the governed.
4. That if any Form of Government becomes destructive of the
ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and
institute a new Government.
Where does a government derive its power?
From the people the government governs
WIO
Complete the following table:
Type of Colonist
Their Position - (why did they support or
oppose the Revolution)
Evaluate their position - In your opinion,
why are the points valid or not?
Loyalist
Patriot
Which position would you choose? At what lengths would you go to defend your position?