Review: The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence

Explain the historical and present-day significance of the Declaration of Independence.

​The Declaration of Independence.

​Key Questions

​1. Where does a government get its power?

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​2. What is the purpose of a government?

Multiple Choice

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• King George 

• Thomas Paine

• Paul Revere

• Thomas Jefferson

Multiple Choice

When was the Declaration of Independence signed?

• July 4th, 1776

• March 5th, 1770

• April 14th, 1912

• September 3rd, 1783

Multiple Choice

Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?

• Philadelphia

• Boston

• New 

• Charleston

​Why

• ​Why did the colonists feel the need to write the Declaration of Independence?

• to gain support from Europe (France, Spain)

• ​to officially declare independence

• ​to build support from the colonists

Multiple Choice

___ people have "certain unalienable rights."

• All

• Some

Multiple Choice

Natural rights ______ be taken away.

• Can

• Cannot

Think about it...

​Thomas Paine said that "Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one."

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With the people around you, take one minute to discuss the following questions.

1. What does the quote mean?

2. Why do people establish governments?

3. What does a good government look like?​

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Open Ended

Why do people need establish governments?

Answer in complete sentences.

Multiple Choice

When a government violates the rights of its citizens, _______ should change the government.

• The Leaders

• The People

​Natural Rights

Thomas Jefferson borrowed ideas from other philosophers.

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People have natural rights...

• ​Life

• ​Liberty

• ​Pursuit of Happiness

Multiple Select

Select all that apply:

Which groups did NOT have these inherent rights assigned by the Declaration>

• Native Americans

• Women

• Slaves

Multiple Choice

True or False: The Declaration unified the colonies and was the first document that mentioned the "United States of America."

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

True or False: The Declaration inspired other nations to create their own similar documents.

• True

• False

Open Ended

How is the Declaration of Independence still important to American citizens today?

​The Declaration of Independence