(QL) Principles of the Declaration

What are the FOUR principles of the Declaration of Independence?

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Declaring Independence

THAT - All men are created equal...

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We hold these truths to be self-evident...

​Equality - In 1776, the idea that no person should be considered more important because of the station they are born into was revolutionary. For example, no person ought to be born with a right to rule over others.

THAT - They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.

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We hold these truths to be self-evident...

Unalienable Rights - The second principle explains that all people have a fundamental right to live, to be free, and to seek personal fulfillment. They are unalienable, meaning they are not given by governments or laws.

THAT - To secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

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We hold these truths to be self-evident...

The role of government - The third principle explains that government is necessary to protect the rights of individuals, and governments are given the power to protect those rights by THE PEOPLE.

THAT - Whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.

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We hold these truths to be self-evident...

The right to change - The last principle explains that whenever any government is fails at its responsibility to protect individual rights, THE PEOPLE have the right to make changes to the government.

Multiple Choice

According to the Declaration of Independence...

Which of the following best describes the phrase "all men are created equal" in the Declaration of Independence?

• Everyone is guaranteed equal wealth

• Everyone should have equal respect and value

• Everyone must have the same employment opportunities

• There should be no differences between people in society.

Multiple Select

According to the Declaration of Independence...

What basic rights do all people have? Choose 3

• The right to live

• The right to pursue happyness

• The right to make your own choices

• The right to vote

• The right to live comfortably

Multiple Choice

According to the Declaration of Independence...

According to the Declaration of Independence, where do governments get their power?

• From the military

• From the people they govern

• From the wealthy elite

• From the king or queen

Multiple Choice

According to the Declaration of Independence...

If a government fails to protect the people's rights, the Declaration of Independence says the people have the right to:

• Obey the government no matter what

• File a complaint with the king

• Change or abolish the government

• Ask for help from foreign nations

Poll

Has America lived up to the goal of the Declaration of Independence?

• Yes

• No

Open Ended

Has America lived up to the principals of the Declaration of Independence?