1. We the People - Lesson Seven
What basic ideas about government were in the Declaration of Independence?
We the People - Lesson Seven

2. Writing the Declaration of Independence
Committee organized to write the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Franklin
John Adams
Roger Sherman
Robert R. Livingston
Committee deferred writing to Thomas Jefferson
Spent many nights writing and revising. . .
July 4, Declaration of Independence signed by members of Congress

3. Contents of the Declaration
Important in development of our constitutional government
Excellent example of arguments of natural rights philosophy
Written to justify the American Revolution against British
Ideals: one of the best statements of the ideals of our nation
All men are created equal and have certain basic rights
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Arguments: gives reasons why the colonists thought they were justified in breaking away from Great Britain
Complaints: list complaints of the colonists against the king
Conclusion: “. . .That the United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; . . .”

5. Arguments of the Declaration
Natural law is a higher law than laws made by people
Founders believed rights given by God
Only rightful purpose of government is to protect people’s natural rights
If government violates the natural law, the people have the right to change or abolish the government and form a new one
An agreement existed between the colonists and the king - they consented to be governed by the king as long as he protected their natural rights
No agreement had been made between colonists and Parliament, so Parliament had no right to govern colonies - especially since they didn’t have the right to send representatives to Parliament
King violated agreement with colonists when he worked with Parliament to deprive colonists of their rights, therefore, colonists had the right to withdraw their consent and form their own government
Many complaints against king . . .

6. Small Group Activity
Examine the Declaration of Independence and select three complaints against the king.
Rewrite the complaint in your own words
Explain the basis of the colonists’ complaint

7. Seatwork Center Questions
What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
What is the purpose of government as described in the Declaration of Independence? How is this purpose similar to or different from the purpose of government described by the natural rights philosophers?
What does the Declaration say people have a right to do if a government is destructive of their rights? Is this true today? Why or why not?
What do you think was meant by the phrase “all men are created equal”? In 1776, who was included? Who was not?