The Declaration of Independence. by Thomas Jefferson

Transcription

1 The Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson

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3 Declaration of Independence

4 Declaration of Independence Can any of you quote parts or phrases form the Declaration? What do you know about the Declaration? Let s read the Declaration in its entirety (pg. 236) Reading of Declaration of Independence Write 2-3 sentences in which you summarize the main idea of the piece and the purpose of government rights of the people. Write 2-3 sentences explaining why Jefferson choose to present this information first in his Declaration.

5 First Paragraph Reread the first paragraph. Answer the following questions: 1. How many sentences are there in the paragraph? 2. Where is the main idea of the sentence? Who is doing what? 3. Why put it at the end, what does the first part of the sentence do to prepare the reader for the end of the sentence? 4. How does the sentence try to keep from upsetting the potential audience?

6 First Paragraph #2 When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

7 First Paragraph #3 When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume, among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. Putting the main idea at the end establishes a reason for this action and invokes greater authority.

8 Paragraph 2 Reread the second paragraph. The first sentence is one of the most famous of American written word. The following questions is to determine how Jefferson proceeded after presenting his main idea:

9 Paragraph 2 5. Who is we? 6. Jefferson capitalizes in ways that we would consider wrong. But he does so with a purpose. What words does he emphasize? What issue(s) do they emphasize in the text? 7. Where do governments derive their power, according to the text? What rights and responsibilities do the people have? 8. What are the requirements of a government? What are acceptable behaviors? What are not?

10 After Paragraph 2 Write a summary and explanation of Jefferson s purpose to reflect what you have learned.

11 According the the second paragraph, what are 3-4 main reasons the Colonies are planning to leave the British crown? 9. How does the author describe the Colonies vs. the British? What terms are used for the others? What words describe the facts?

12 List of Facts 10. Number the complaints Jefferson lists. How many are there? Why include this many pieces of evidence? 11. Are all the complaints equal? Which are strongest/ weakest? 12. What techniques does Jefferson word the list so that it is more powerful and seems endless? 13. What does the last sentence of the facts do? What question does it answer? 14. The paragraph continues the response to objections. Why does Jefferson separate and start a new paragraph? 15. How does this same paragraph s diction compare to that in the list? Why might that be?

13 Rewrite your reasons why the Colonies should leave British rule to reflect what you have learned.

14 The Actual Declaration Find and rewrite the actual declaration sentence in your own words.

15 The Actual Declaration 16. What authority does Jefferson refer to? How often does he refer to it? Why do this? 17. What different rights does Jefferson grant to the new United Colonies? Why might he include all of these?

16 Schoolhouse Rock Fireworks

17 Concluding Assignment Write your own Declaration of