Analyzing the Declaration of Independence

The Big Ideas, and grievances with in this historic document.

We Hold these

truths to

be self evident

that all men were

created equal, and

they are

endowed

by their creator

with certain unalienabl

e rights.

Big Idea #1 “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal”• This statement is referring to the

inequality of European class system and that America was different,

• It also refers to the Monarch’s belief in their divine right to govern, Jefferson is saying that all humans are capable of governing, not just Kings.

Big Idea #2“and they are endowed by their creators, certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”• Everyone has the right to be alive, free,

and happy• These are sometimes called human rights,

or natural rights

Big Idea #3“and to secure these rights, governments were instituted among men, deriving their just power from the consent of the governed,”• Mankind created government to protect

their unalienable rights,• Government powers come from the

people

Big Idea # 4“and whenever any form of government becomes destructive to its means, it is the right of the people to, alter, abolish, and replace it,”• Rebellion is a human right when your

government does not do the job it was created to do,

• So you can rebel when governments abuse your rights

Grievances from the Declaration of Independence

How we have addressed those grievances

For quartering large bodies of troops among us;

For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world

For imposing taxes on us without our consent.

For depriving us in many cases the benefits of a trial by jury.

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offenses.

The 3rd Amendment protects our privacy, no soldiers can be quartered in our homes.

Today we have a free trade system, this allows us to freely trade with everyone.

Today taxes are passed by our legislatures (Congress and State). These bodies are made up of our elected representatives.

The 7th Amendment grants us a trial by jury for civil cases.

The 6th Amendment grants us a quick and speedy trial.

Personal ResponseSome of the big ideas in the Declaration of Independence are relevant today. In the summer of 2014, a police officer shot and killed an unarmed teenager. This incident sparked civil unrest (civil disobedience) in Missouri. Use the Junior Scholastic article, “After Ferguson” to answer the following:1. What unalienable right did the people of Ferguson

Missouri feel were violated? Explain, support your conclusion with an example from the article.

2. The Declaration states that people can alter, abolish, and replace any form of government that becomes destructive to its means. In your opinion were they, the people of Ferguson acting within their rights. Explain.