Social Studies: The Declaration of Independence Key Ideas
Understanding rights, government, and independence
Social Studies: The Declaration of Independence Key Ideas
Understanding rights, government, and independence
Social Studies - Grade 4-5
- 1
What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
Think about what the colonists wanted to announce to the world.
The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to explain why the American colonies wanted to separate from Great Britain and become a new country. - 2
The Declaration of Independence says that people have certain rights that cannot be taken away. Name two of these rights.
Two rights named in the Declaration of Independence are life and liberty. It also names the pursuit of happiness as an important right. - 3
Look at the phrase all men are created equal. In your own words, what key idea was the Declaration trying to express?
Focus on the word equal and what it means for basic rights.
The Declaration was expressing the idea that people are born with equal basic rights and should not be treated as if one person is naturally more important than another. - 4
Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence, although other leaders helped review and edit it. - 5
On what date did the Continental Congress approve the Declaration of Independence?
The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. - 6
What did the Declaration say governments are supposed to protect?
Think about why people create governments.
The Declaration said governments are supposed to protect the rights of the people, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. - 7
The Declaration says governments get their power from the consent of the governed. What does this mean?
The governed are the people being ruled by the government.
It means that a government should have the agreement or permission of the people it governs. Leaders should not rule fairly without listening to the people. - 8
Why did the colonists list complaints, also called grievances, against King George III?
The colonists listed grievances to explain the problems they had with the king and to show why they believed independence was necessary. - 9
Match the idea to its meaning: unalienable rights, grievances, independence. Write each word next to the correct meaning: complaints, freedom from another country's rule, rights that cannot be taken away.
Use the meanings of the words to help you match them.
Unalienable rights means rights that cannot be taken away. Grievances means complaints. Independence means freedom from another country's rule. - 10
Which group approved the Declaration of Independence: the Continental Congress, the British Parliament, or the French army?
The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. It was made up of representatives from the American colonies. - 11
Explain why the Declaration of Independence was an important step toward creating the United States.
Think about what had to happen before a new country could be formed.
The Declaration was important because it announced that the colonies no longer wanted to be ruled by Great Britain. It helped begin the idea of the United States as an independent nation. - 12
The Declaration includes a section that explains ideas about rights and government. It also includes a section listing complaints. Why were both sections important?
The ideas about rights and government explained what the colonists believed. The complaints showed how they believed the king had violated those ideas. - 13
Read this statement: People may change or replace a government that does not protect their rights. Is this idea found in the Declaration of Independence? Explain.
Look for the connection between rights and the purpose of government.
Yes, this idea is found in the Declaration of Independence. The document says people can change or replace a government when it does not protect their rights. - 14
Place these events in the correct order: the colonies had complaints against British rule, the Declaration of Independence was approved, the colonies announced they were free and independent states.
First, the colonies had complaints against British rule. Next, the Declaration of Independence was approved. Then, the colonies announced they were free and independent states. - 15
Write one sentence explaining a key idea from the Declaration of Independence that is still important today.
Choose an idea about rights, equality, or the purpose of government.
One key idea that is still important today is that governments should protect people's rights and get their power from the people.