1. The Declaration of Independence
What ideas and/or philosophies about government were expressed in the Declaration of Independence?
This is a copy of the Declaration called a Dunlap Broadside due to it being printed at the print shop of Mr. John Dunlap near the corner of 2nd and Market Streets in Philadelphia. Its believed that 200 were printed and that 25 are known to exist today.

2. Thomas Paine Published Common Sense in February 1776
Its simple language appealed to the majority of its readers
Promoted the idea that independence from Britain was a good thing
Wrote it anonymously due to its treasonous content according to Britain
In it Paine argues, “If Britain was the true ‘mother’ country, would a mother burden her children, and treat them badly?”

3. What went into the writing of The Declaration of Independence?
New political ideas led to a desire for independence and a democratic government in the American colonies.

4. What did the Declaration state?
The Declaration of Independence proclaimed independence from Great Britain. It stated that people have natural (inherent) rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. (John Locke)
Locke also wrote natural rights include life, liberty and the pursuit of property.

5. 4 Key philosophies in the Declaration of Independence were based upon ideas first expressed by European philosophers.
1. People have “certain unalienable rights” (rights that cannot be taken away)—to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness.

6. Role of Government
2. People establish government to protect those rights.
3. Government derives (how it gets) power from the people.

7. If government fails at its job
4. People have a right and a duty to change a government that violates their rights.