1. DBQ – Declaration of Independence
Document Analysis Questions

2. The Ideals of the Declaration: Which is Most Important?

3. Key Vocabulary
Independence – to not depend on anyone or anything else; to be on your own.
Grievances - complaints
Ideals – principles that you look up to; the highest goals you can aim for
Self-evident - obvious
Unalienable rights – rights that can not be taken away
Consent – permission
Alter – change
Abolish – get rid of; destroy
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson writing the Declaration

4. The Hook!…

6. Background Essay

7. Parts of the Declaration
Part Purpose 1. Introduction We should explain why we are doing this
2. Ideals What we believe about government
3. Grievances List of ways the British government has been bad
4. Declaration (that we are independent)

8. Analyzing the intro…

9. The intro. to the Declaration of Independence
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
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.

10. 4 Ideals in the Declaration
Equality
Unalienable rights
Consent of the governed
Right to alter or abolish government

11. Applying the Ideals…

12. Document A Which of the four beliefs is highlighted in this document?
What do you think this principle meant to most Americans in 1776?
What does “men” mean to 260 women and 40 men present at Seneca Falls?
What does equality mean to Diana Pham?
How might you use this document to argue that “equality” is the most important ideal in the Declaration of Independence?

14. Document B Which of the four beliefs is the focus of this document?
In the cartoon who is adding the words “plus Health Care” to the Declaration of Independence?
Why do you think Sullivan says he believes in the pursuit of happiness, rather than happiness itself? Do you agree with him?

15. Document B
4. Is it possible for a society to achieve equality without liberty? 5. Can a society to achieve liberty without equality? Explain. 6. How might you use this document to argue that the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is the most important ideal in the Declaration of Independence?

16. Document C Which of the four ideals is the focus of this document?
Why did the students protest at Tiananmen Square? What was the result?
In a government based on the “consent of the governed”, who is the ultimate authority?

17. Document C
4. In a country like China, do you think it is possible to achieve liberty without the “consent of the governed”? 5. Can you achieve happiness without the “consent of the governed”? 6. How might you use this document to argue that “consent of the governed” is the most important ideal in the Declaration of Independence?

18. Document D Which of the four beliefs is the focus of this document?
What is the overall message of this photograph?
What is the Tea Party?

19. Document D
4. What does the Tea Party hope to achieve – altering or abolishing the government? Give evidence to support your answer. 5. How might you use this document to argue that the right of the people to alter or abolish government is the most important ideal in the Declaration of Independence? 6. What is more important: equality or the right to alter or abolish one’s government?

21. 4 Ideals in the Declaration
Equality
Unalienable rights
Consent of the governed
Right to alter or abolish government

22. The Ideals of the Declaration: Which is Most Important?

23. Resources on the Declaration of Independence