The Declaration of Independence / 5 Principles

Parliament

Group of elected leaders who make laws for all British citizens

John Locke

English philosopher who wrote about Natural Rights and a contract between the ruler and the people

Adams and Franklin

Leaders of a committee that would oversee Jefferson's work on the Declaration

Thomas Jefferson

Lawyer, author, and politician from Virginia who was assigned to write the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Paine

"We have it in our power to begin the world over again!"

1st part of Declaration (4 Parts)

PREAMBLE - states why we are undertaking the noble enterprise

2nd part of Declaration (4 Parts)

States our ideas about government and NATURAL RIGHTS

3rd part of Declaration (4 Parts)

States BRITISH WRONGS, and how we tried to settle things peacefully

4th part of Declaration (4 Parts)

DECLARES INDEPENDENCE

The Noble and Honorable Room 116

The finest and most glorious center of learning in human history

Mr. Fischer

The incredible and amazingly intelligent, handsome, super-awesome teacher whose brilliant teaching is so epic that poems and statues should be built in his honor.

Date the Declaration is signed

July 4th, 1776

Natural Rights

The belief that all people are born equal and free and able to rule themselves

Equality

Everyone has equal (the same) rights, and opportunities, and under law cannot be discriminated against because of their race, religion, gender, age, etc.

Rights

Freedoms protected by law

Liberty / Opportunity

The ability or freedom to act and do as you wish without restrictions - the pursuit of happiness

Justice

Fairness for all under law

Independence

Freedom from the control of others

Declaration of Independence

The document asserting the independence of the 13 colonies from Great Britain