1. When is Rebellion Justified? Page 66 • Many young people harbor a spirit of rebellion—against parents, teachers, bosses, rules, or any situation that “just isn’t fair!” But how often do you attempt to explain your rebellion logically? In June of 1776, Thomas Jefferson and other colonial leaders had decided to rebel against British rule. But they needed to justify their dangerous action—to themselves, to the king, and to the world. • Think of several situations in which an individual or a group rebelled against a perceived injustice. The situations could be any of the following: • • local—an incident in your school or community, for example • • global—such as demonstrations against global trade policies • • historical—such as the American, French, or Russian revolutions

2. Structure & The Declaration of Independence

4. Author Profile: Thomas Jefferson Page 67

5. Argumentation Notes Page 68 Argument Claim Support Counter-agrument Counterclaim Reflection:

6. The Declaration of Independence Video

7. The Declaration of Independence Map Page 69

8. The Declaration of Independence Mini Quiz • 1.) What was Jefferson’s opinion about changing long-established governments? • A. People should first encourage government leaders to resign from office. • B. Governments should change whenever people disagree with a policy. • C. Governments should continue unless the problems they cause are insufferable. • D. Long-established governments should never change their policies. • 2.) The declaration of this public document states that • A. people have the right to overthrow a government that denies basic rights • B. the king has refused to create laws that are of immediate importance to the colonists • C. it is necessary for the colonists to list their reasons for separation from Britain • D. the United Colonies declare their independence from Britain

9. The Declaration of Independence Mini Quiz • 3.) As support for the argument for independence, Jefferson says that the king has • A. refused to allow the colonists to build and maintain their own navy • B. stopped taxing the colonists for goods imported from Britain • C. refused to pass laws that are for the good of the people • D. raised the prices of services necessary for the colonies’ function • 4.) What does Jefferson say had been the king’s reaction to the colonists’ repeated petitions? • A. refusing to listen to their pleas • B. sending representatives to solve the • problems • C. failing to act on promised changes • D. inflicting further harm on them

10. The Declaration of Independence Mini Quiz • 5.) Jefferson’s reference to the reliance on the protection of Divine Providence suggests that the colonists believed that • A. their course of action was morally correct • B. they would easily defeat the British • C. God would punish the king for his actions • D. God refused to condone or allow war