Declaration of Independence worksheet

Who was the primary writer of the Declaration of Independence?  When was the document adopted? (month/day/year)

Thomas Jefferson. July 4th, 1776

 Which country were the colonies declaring their independence from?

Great Britain

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To announce a separation from Great Britain 

What contradictions may have existed at the time regarding “self-evident truths?”  (Look at the specific examples)

Thomas Jefferson talked about how all men are created equal, while at the same time had over 200 slaves.

 Identify the three natural or unalienable rights of individuals (written in the 1776 context as men) as stated in the Declaration of Independence?

1. Life

2. Liberty

3. Pursuit of happiness

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

The government gets their power from the people

According to the Declaration of Independence, what should people do when the government abuses its power?

People should revolt against the government

Who are the colonists referring to when they use “He?”

The king of great Britain

 List 3 of the grievances by the colonists that are identified in the Declaration of Independence

1. “He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.”

2. “He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.”

3. “He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

 According to the colonists, how have they tried to handle their complaints in the past?  What action is now necessary?

The colonists tried to formally ask for them to correct their wrongs, but all it led to was repeated injury. The action that is now necessary is to separate and become independent.

The Representatives wanted the colonies to be _________ States, absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is and ought to be totally dissolved.

free and independent

What specific rights do these States claim?

The right to be free and independent states

As a show of support to the Declaration, what did the signers pledge to each other?

They pledged to each other their Lives, their Fortunes, and their Sacred Honor.