SS.7.C.1.4 Analyze the ideas (natural rights, role of the government) and complaints set forth in the Declaration of Independence.

  1. Students will explain the concept of natural rights as expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
  2. Students will identify the natural rights specifically expressed in the Declaration of Independence (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness).
  3. Students will analyze the relationship between natural rights and the role of government. 1. People are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; 2. Governments are instituted among men to secure these rights; 3. Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed; and 4. Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new government.
  4. Students will recognize the connection between specific grievances in the Declaration of Independence and natural rights’ violations.
  5. Students will recognize colonial complaints as identified in the Declaration of Independence (imposing taxes without the consent of the people, suspending trial by jury, limiting judicial powers, quartering soldiers, and dissolving legislatures).
Follow link to John Trumbull's "Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776":http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/images/trumbull-large1.jpg
  • John Trumbull painted a presentation of the Declaration of Independence in what is now called Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
  • The painting features the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence — John Adams, Roger Sherman, Thomas Jefferson (presenting the document), and Benjamin Franklin — standing before John Hancock, the President of the Continental Congress.
  • This painting currently hangs in the U.S. Capitol.

The Declaration of Independence:   http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declaration_zoom_2.html
  1. It has 4 distinct parts; the Preamble, the Statement of Human Rights, the list of grievances against King George III, and the Resolution of Independence. You will be focusing on the Preamble, Statement of Rights, and the list of grievances. During the Preamble and Statement of Rights sections, your teacher will begin reading while you mark the text. As you mark (you may use highlighters, different colored pencils or simply mark with initials), determine which statements discuss “natural rights (NR),” “role of government (RG),” and “complaints (C).” Your ultimate goal is to understand the relationship between natural rights and the role of government.”
NOTES:
  • During the Second Continental Congress in 1775, delegates argued over whether to seek independence or remain loyal to Great Britain. Many did not want to seek independence as they feared that this would start a war with Great Britain. Others felt that independence was necessary because King George III was an oppressor who was limiting the colonists’ rights and actions. They felt that Great Britain was becoming a tyranny.
  • In 1776, Thomas Paine stated that it was “common sense” for the colonies to break away from Great Britain. He said that King George was a “royal brute” and the colonies had every right to sever ties.
  • After many months of debate, more than half of the delegates agreed to declare independence from Great Britain.
  • Thomas Paine’s writings were very influential in the decision to declare independence.
  • Thomas Jefferson, the main author, detailed the colonies’ reasons for breaking away with Great Britain.
  • The document argued that the king did not look after the interests of the colonies anymore.
  • He listed the grievances, or complaints, that the colonists had towards the crown.

http://floridastudents.org/PreviewResource/StudentResource/116503

Words to Know:
abolish
to end
assent
to agree
consent of the governed
an agreement made by the people to establish a government and abide by its laws
deprive
to take something away
derive
to take
despotism
a system of government where the ruler has unlimited power
dissolve
to bring to an end
endow
to be given something naturally
grievance
a complaint
impel
to urge
impose
to establish by using authority or power
institute
to establish
natural rights
the belief that individuals are born with basic rights that cannot be taken away by governments
oppression
the use of authority or power in a cruel or unjust manner
quarter
to house
rectitude
the quality or state of being correct
self-evident
obvious, having no need of proof
tyranny
a government that abuses its power
tyrant
a single ruler that possesses and abuses absolute government power
unalienable (inalienable) rights
basic rights of the people that may not be taken away

usurpation
the act of exercising power by force

http://classroom.monticello.org/kids/resources/profile/6/Middle/Jefferson-and-the-Declaration-of-Independence/


https://bensguide.gpo.gov/articles-of-confederation-1777-1789


www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKJMWHCUoiw