1. The Declaration of Independence - The “Why” PARTICIPATION IN GOVERNMENT JOHNSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL MR. COX

2. Bellringer  Briefly describe Lockean theory regarding the Social Contract and Natural Rights.  Why was the Declaration of Independence crucial in establishing the basic liberties for Americans? Essential Question

3. Declaration of Independence  Written during the American Revolution by Thomas Jefferson in June of 1776  Signed by members of the Continental Congress  Reps from each colony  Echoed Lockean theory  “We hold these truths…”

4. 2 Purposes of: The Declaration of Independence: 1. To announce that the colonies, are an independent nation. 2. Explain and justify the reasons that the colonies had decided to become the U.S.A.

5. 3 Sections of: The Declaration of Independence 1. Theory of government  The right to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”  Governments receive their power from “the consent of the governed.” 2. Cited legal offenses by the English as the basis for desiring independence.  Listed 18 specific grievances against King George III 3. Formal resolution declaring independence  When the government fails the people, it is the “Right of the People to alter or abolish that government.” (Right to Rebel)

6.  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

8. Themes/Thoughts

9.  What is a right?  Is there a difference between a right and a privilege or a benefit? Explain?

10. Themes/Thoughts  What is a right?  Is there a difference between a right and a privilege or a benefit? Explain?  Can a right be something that requires something from another person?

11. Themes/Thoughts  What is a right?  Is there a difference between a right and a privilege or a benefit? Explain?  Can a right be something that requires something from another person?  Do people need the government’s consent to have natural rights?

12. Themes/Thoughts  What is a right?  Is there a difference between a right and a privilege or a benefit? Explain?  Can a right be something that requires something from another person?  Do people need the government’s consent to have natural rights?  Does the national good trump individual liberties?

13. Themes/Thoughts  What is a right?  Is there a difference between a right and a privilege or a benefit? Explain?  Can a right be something that requires something from another person?  Do people need the government’s consent to have natural rights?  Does the national good trump individual liberties?  How did Jefferson interpret these questions?

14. Legal Implications of DOI  Displayed a general agreement with Locke regarding the State of Nature, Natural Rights, and Social Contract  Unalienable rights, etc  Demonstrated that having the consent of the governed would be necessary to the successful governance of colonies

15. Essential Question Homework  Why was the Declaration of Independence crucial in establishing the basic liberties for Americans?