1. The Declaration of Independence Notes

2. Part One:
Background

3. Resolution Proposed – Committee Formed
Richard Henry Lee proposes a resolution
“That these United Colonies are, and of right out to be, free and independent States…and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.
As Congress debates, they chose a committee to draft a declaration of independence
Thomas Jefferson (Virginia)
Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania)
John Adams (Massachusetts)
Roger Sherman (Connecticut)
Robert Livingston (New York)
Jefferson wrote the draft
Committee edited

4. Jefferson Writes the Declaration
Jefferson drew ideas from John Locke
Locke wrote
People are born with the natural rights of life, liberty and property
People formed governments to protect these rights
If a government interferes with these rights it may be overthrown

5. Resolution Passes July 2, 1776 July 4, 1776
Congress votes for Independence
12 colonies votes yes
New York abstains
July 4, 1776
Congress approves Jefferson’s draft

6. Content
Part One:

7. Preamble Section One: Preamble Preamble: Introduction
Explains why the Continental Congress wrote the declaration
States that people who wish to form their own country should explain their reasons for doing so.

8. Declaration of Natural Rights
Section Two: Declaration of Natural Rights
States the rights colonists believe they should have.
Natural rights: rights all people have at birth

9. Section Three: List of Grievances Complaints against Great Britain
Singled out King George III for blame

10. Resolution of Independence
Section Four: Resolution of Independence
Declares that the colonies are “Free and Independent States”

11. Content Question
Pair Question

12. Content Question
So far, what is your overall opinion of the Declaration of Independence

13. Ideals Found in the Declaration of Independence
Part Two:

14. Ideals Found in the Declaration of Independence:
All men are created equal
All men are born with certain rights
Life
Liberty
Pursuit of Happiness
Government only receives it’s power by the “consent of the governed.”
In other words, the people have to approve the government
If the government is destructive, the people have the right to abolish (get rid of) the government

15. Ideals Question
Pair Question

16. Ideals Question
Which ideal found in the Declaration of Independence do you believe is the most powerful?