Bellringer 11-09-10

1. Turn to your lecture note section and title it “Declaration of

Independence.”

Declaration of Independence

1. Identify the Committee of 5 that composed the Declaration.

2. Discuss the four parts of the Declaration.

I. Declaration of Independence

A. Writing the Document

1. June 1776 – 2nd Continental Congress appoints a committee to write a declaration

a. Ben Franklin (70), John Adams (41), Thomas Jefferson (33), Robert Livingston (30), and Roger Sherman (55)

b. Jefferson is chosen to do the writing (ARR #15)

"The Committee of 5 met, no such thing as a sub-committee was proposed, but they unanimously pressed on myself alone to undertake the draught. I consented; I drew it; but before I reported it to the committee I communicated it separately to Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams requesting their corrections;. . . Their alterations were two or three only, and merely verbal. I then wrote a fair copy, reported it to the committee, and from them, unaltered to the Congress."

I. Declaration of IndependenceB. Organization of the Document (4 sections)

1. Preamble – explains why it was written and explains its purpose2. Declaration of Natural Rights

a. Uses John Locke’s idea that people have basic rights and the gov’t should protect their rights (or people can overthrow)

b. Names “unalienable rights” – Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness (these cannot be taken away)

I. Declaration of Independence

3. List of Grievances

a. 18 complaints about King George III

b. King George III is “He”

4. Resolution of Independence

a. Says that the colonies are “free and independent states” and “all political connection … is and ought to be dissolved”

b. Have power to make war, trade w/ other countries, and form alliances

I. Declaration of Independence

C. Ratifying the Declaration1. Members of 2nd Continental Congress made 86 changes before approving the Declaration2. July 2, 1776 – Congress votes to accept 3. July 4, 1776 – Congress signs it into law4. August 2, 1776 – all members sign the document5. Copy read to Continental Army on July 9th and a copy reached England on August 10th

"We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

I. Declaration of Independence

D. Today’s Impact

1. The Declaration provides the basic set of principles on which our laws are based

Homework

PAGE 132-33 – “What if…” #1-2

ANSWER ON A GREEN SHEET!

Homework

1. Read “Women at War” and “African Americans” on page 150 of your textbook.

2. In 3-4 sentences for each section, analyze the impact the American Revolution had on both of these groups.