DOI & Structure of Argument

What does the DOI reveal about Thomas Jefferson, its primary author?

• his opinion on the purpose of government

• his ability to bring people together

• his views on the trade of enslaved people

• his aspirations to one day run for president

What slogan best describes the overriding cultural belief expressed in the DOI?

• "Peace at Any Cost"

• "Equal Rights for Slaves"

• Unity Against Tyranny"

• "Fairness for Immigrants"

"The government of England is subjecting the American colonists to laws that take away their unalienable rights." This statement is the Declaration of Independence’s

• major premise

• minor premise

• conclusion

• body

Which best describes the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence?

• The colonists have certain rights that can never be taken away.

• The king has failed to protect the basic rights of the colonists.

• The king has treated the colonists unfairly in many ways.

• The colonies are no longer loyal to Britain’s tyrannical rule.

Jefferson begins the introduction to the Declaration of Independence by stating his major premise and giving examples, and then explains

• the relationship between the colonies and Britain.

• the unalienable rights of all people.

• that governments should always represent their people.

• that the colonies will go to war against Britain.

How does Jefferson support his major premise in the body of the Declaration of Independence?

• He lists the abuses the colonies have suffered under British rule.

• He explains that retaliation is necessary to teach the British a lesson.

• He reveals the signatures of delegates from each colony.

• He lists the colonists' future demands for British protection.

"When a government fails to protect the unalienable rights of its citizens, it is the duty and right of citizens to create another form of government." This statement is the Declaration of Independence’s

• text structure.

• minor premise.

• conclusion.

• major premise.

In which section of the Declaration of Independence does Jefferson restate his thesis?

• the body

• the conclusion

• the introduction

• the list

In the introduction of the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson explains the way a government should function. In the body of the document,

• he illustrates how the king of England is not living up to these expectations.

• he describes how each specific branch of Britain’s monarchy should operate.

• he illustrates the steps the colonies will take to overthrow the king.

• he describes the steps the king must take to maintain the colonies.

"And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." Why does Jefferson conclude with this statement?

• to soften the impact of this document so that more readers agree with it

• to leave an opening for future negotiations with the British

• to show colonial support for the document and the willingness to fight for independence

• to influence other nations in their own struggles for independence