Documents

Declaration of Independence

• Why: To declare the American colonies’ independence from Britain.

• Key Message: All men have unalienable rights, and governments must protect those rights; tyranny justifies rebellion.

Articles of Confederation

• Why: To create a framework for governance during and after the Revolution.

• Key Message: Established a weak central government, prioritizing state sovereignty.

Constitution

• Why: To replace the ineffective Articles of Confederation.

• Key Message: Created a stronger federal government with checks and balances.

Bill of Rights

• Why: To protect individual liberties and gain support for the Constitution.

• Key Message: Guaranteed rights like free speech, religion, and due process.

Monroe Doctrine

• Why: To oppose European interference in the Americas.

• Key Message: Declared the Western Hemisphere off-limits to European colonization or intervention.