The Declaration of Independence
D2.His.11.3-5
Read the source and answer the questions, then circle the right answers.
The Declaration of Independence: Self-Evident Truths
An extract from the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776, and drafted mainly by Thomas Jefferson. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…
- 1. How could this idea justify breaking away from Britain?
- 2. The extract speaks of "all men." Which people does it not mention?
- 3. What may the People do when a Government becomes destructive of these ends?
- 4. Why, according to the text, are Governments instituted?
- A.Soldiers choose the laws
- B.The king decides alone
- C.The people agree to be governed
- A.It made George Washington king
- B.It ended the Revolutionary War at once
- C.It declared the thirteen colonies free and independent states
- A.Proved by a court
- B.So clearly true it needs no proof
- C.Hidden and secret
- A.Memorial Day
- B.Labor Day
- C.Independence Day, July 4
LessonPrint · D2.His.11.3-5 · Set 9 · free to copy for classroom use