Understanding the Declaration of Independence Part I

What is the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence as stated in the introduction?

• To declare war on Britain

• To explain why the colonies are separating from Britain

• To establish a new government

• To list grievances against the King

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Analyze the phrase "all men are created equal" in the context of the 18th century. What implications did this have for the society at that time?

• It meant that everyone had the same wealth

• It suggested that all people should have equal rights and opportunities

• It implied that all men were physically identical

• It indicated that all men should have the same job

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

According to the Declaration, from where do governments derive their "just powers"?

• From the monarchy

• From the military

• From the consent of the governed

• From the church

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Evaluate the statement: "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." How does this reflect Enlightenment ideas?

• It supports the idea of divine right of kings

• It reflects the Enlightenment idea of social contract

• It suggests that governments should be based on tradition

• It implies that governments should be based on military power

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What does the Declaration suggest should happen if a government becomes destructive of the unalienable rights?

• The people should accept it

• The people should alter or abolish it

• The government should be given more power

• The government should be ignored

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Discuss the significance of the phrase "unalienable Rights" in the Declaration. How does this concept challenge the existing political structures of the time?

• It supports the idea of absolute monarchy

• It challenges the idea that rights can be taken away by the government

• It suggests that rights are given by the government

• It implies that rights are not important

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What are the three unalienable rights specifically mentioned in the Declaration?

• Life, Liberty, and Property

• Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness

• Freedom, Justice, and Equality

• Peace, Love, and Understanding

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

How does the Declaration of Independence justify the colonies' decision to break away from Britain?

• By listing grievances against the King

• By stating that Britain is too far away

• By claiming that the colonies are too large

• By arguing that the colonies are more powerful

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Interpret the phrase "a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation." Why was this important for the authors of the Declaration?

• To ensure that other nations would support their cause

• To make the document longer

• To confuse the British government

• To avoid war with other countries

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What reasoning does the Declaration provide for the necessity of declaring independence?

• The colonies wanted to expand their territory

• The colonies needed to establish trade with other nations

• The colonies believed their rights were being violated

• The colonies wanted to form a new religion

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept