The Declaration of Independence (Warm-UP)

Which historical figure outlined the importance of the founding principles of democracy in his book "Democracy in America" ?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexis de Tocqueville

• John Adams

• Cesar Chavez

Answer explanation

Alexis de Tocqueville was sent to the U.S. to see how Europe had influenced the new country. He wrote "Democracy in America" in hopes that is would show France's people in detail what democracy was, and would be able better to guide France's own transition to democracy

Which section of the Declaration of Independence justifies why it was right to create the document?

• Introduction

• Conclusion

• Formal Separation

• Preamble

Answer explanation

The preamble is the second section in the Declaration of Independence, and it states the colonists reasons for wanting to be out of British control.

Which founding principal would be most associated with "Freedom of Religion" ?

• Egalitarianism

• Populism

• Lassiez-faire

• Liberty

Answer explanation

Liberty is one of our founding principles of democracy because it represents the many freedoms that Americans have, including our unalienable rights.

Which of the founding principles would be most associated with "citizens voting for public officials" ?

• Laissez-faire

• Egalitarianism

• Liberty

• Individualism

Answer explanation

Egalitarianism is a key founding principle of democracy because it acknowledges equality amongst all Americans. No citizen has more or less rights than another.

Which word would best complete the statement below?

The Declaration of Independence was _____ on July 4, 1776

• Abolished

• Ratified

• Petitioned

• Commerce

Answer explanation

Ratified means to formally approve something

Which vocabulary term in being described in the excerpt from the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence?

“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.”

• Unalienable Rights

• Tyrant

• Abolish

• Laissez-faire

Answer explanation

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are your unalienable rights. That means that they can never be taken away from you.

Which key vocabulary word would be most associated with the government playing a very small role in how a business owner conducts their day to day business?

• Absolved

• Liberty

• Egalitarianism

• Laissez-faire

Answer explanation

Laissez-fair means limited government interaction in the people's day to day life

Think Lazy Government!!

Which of the founding principles do you think is the most important to you as an American?

1.) Liberty

2.) Egalitarianism

3.) Individualism

4.) Populism

5.) Lassiez-faire