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Understanding Key Themes in The Declaration of Independence: Analysis Activity

moral avatar
moral
15 diapositives · 290 Views · Jul 22, 2014

This activity guides students in analyzing key themes from The Declaration of Independence. Students will explore crucial questions, including the city where the original document is held, the authorship by Thomas Jefferson, and the significance of the signers. The analogy of the Declaration as a breakup letter will prompt discussions on effective communication in ending relationships, emphasizing reasoning and intentions. Through reading paraphrased sections, highlighting grievances, and reflecting on the justifications for independence, students deepen their understanding of historical context and philosophical underpinnings.

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Understanding Key Themes in The Declaration of Independence: Analysis Activity
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  1. Analyzing Key Themes in “The Declaration of Independence” Activity #5

  2. 1. In what city can you find the original “Declaration of Independence” now? 2. Who wrote “The Declaration of Independence”? 3. On what day was it signed? 4. Many famous Americans signed it. Who was the first? How many signers can you name? 5. Two of the first three presidents signed it. Which one did not? Why not? 6. Why was “The Declaration of Independence” written? Pre-Reading Questions:How many of the following can you answer?

  3. The “Breakup Letter” AnalogyIn many ways the “Declaration” is like a breakup letter. It was intended to end a long-term relationship between a king and his subjects, one in which each party had some sort of obligation to the other. Discuss the following questions with a partner. Be prepared to share answers with the class.

  4. 1. Why give any explanation at all for breaking up? Why not just do it?2. Why give reasons for breaking up?3. Why hope to “stay friends”? How often does that work?4. Why might you have to explain to others the reasons for the breakup?5. Who is the letter really for? Does it benefit the writer or the recipient more? Why?

  5. Read the first section of the paraphrased version. Highlight or underline the following: 1. Why the declaration is being written. 2. Reasons why the colonists wanted to split with England. “The Declaration of Independence” (Paraphrased) Section 1

  6. Read the abbreviated list of grievances against the king of England in this section. Highlight or underline three that would have made you angry as well. “The Declaration of Independence” (Paraphrased) Section 2

  7. Read section 3 of the paraphrased version. Highlight or underline the following: 1. What the colonists tried to do before deciding to split. 2. What they want to be able to do for themselves now. “The Declaration of Independence” (Paraphrased) Section 3

  8. Find the original versions of the reasons you highlighted in the paraphrased version of this section. Highlight or underline these in the original document as well. Answer the following question: “The Declaration of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson—Section 1

  9. 1. Do you agree with Jefferson that people have a “right” and / or “duty” to overthrow governments that they feel have wronged them? Why or why not?I agree with Jefferson. It is our “right” to do so because _____________. It is our “duty” to do so because ______________.I disagree with Jefferson. This idea can lead to negative consequences such as ____________________.

  10. Find and highlight the original versions of the grievances you highlighted in the paraphrased version. Choose one and answer the following question: “The Declaration of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson—Section 2

  11. 2. Why did you choose this particular one? Why would it have made you especially angry? ______________ would have made me angry because ________________.

  12. “The Declaration of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson—Section 3 Find the original versions of the steps taken by the colonists that you highlighted in the paraphrased text and highlight them here. Do the following: 3. Choose one of the following words from this section: “oppression,” “tyrant,” “unwarrantable,” “usurpation.” Use this word in a sentence that describes an action taken by someone in authority (a parent, teacher, administrator, etc.) that you thought was unfair.

  13. _________oppressed us by___________________. ______ showed (s)he was a tyrant when (s)he_______ For ________ to _____________ was an unwarrantable action. I felt my rights were usurped when _____________________.

  14. There were two ideas in opposition at the time Jefferson wrote the declaration: One was that kings were chosen by God to rule over others. The other was that governments rule by the “consent of the governed”—that is, the permission of the people. “The Declaration of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson (Whole Text)

  15. 4. Find one place in this document where Jefferson uses God to justify the second point of view and discuss how he does so. In section _______, when Jefferson writes, “_________________________” he means that __________________________________.