Ideals of the Declaration Intro

Imagine this...

The year is 2076. You are one of the founders of a US colony on the moon. The experience of starting this colony has been very rewarding. The members of the colony were chosen because they had the qualities of good citizens. They have respected the rights of others. All in all, they have created a good community.
The colony is, however, having some problems with the "mother country." You are paying taxes to the US government, but you are not allowed to vote in US elections. The taxes seem unreasonably high given that your economy has just gotten off the ground. It is especially disturbing that you must pay high tariffs (taxes) on certain products that are imported from the United States--products that you are unable to produce on the moon.

You are also disturbed by US military forces that patrol your community. Because housing is still in short supply, these soldiers take up rooms in your community dormitories--intruding into the private lives of your citizens. Your community does not need this kind of "occupying force" to maintain order.
Despite the problems, most members of the colony are loyal to the United States.
Tonight there is a town hall meeting. Some colonists want to separate from the United States. Some want to try to get the US government to listen to the colony's issues. As one of the founders of the colony, you will be expected to speak, and people will pay close attention to what you say.

Here are some of the actions you think could be taken. Which will you support?

Poll

Hold protests on the moon

• Yes

• No

Poll

Refuse to pay the tariffs on imported goods.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Write spacemails and texts to government leaders explaining your issues.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Send delegates to Washington to meet with government officials and find solutions.

• Yes

• No

Poll

Declare independence.

• Yes

• No

On the following slides you will answer some questions to show what you already know about the Declaration of Independence.

Show what you know already!

Multiple Choice

Why was the Declaration of Independence written?

• to start the American Revolution

• to offer a peace settlement to Great Britain

• to instruct how a country wins its freedom

• to explain why the colonies were separating from Great Britain