Declaration of Independence for Elementary Students

Guiding Question: How does the Declaration of Independence echo the American ideals of Justice and Natural Rights?

• I can interpret primary sources related to Founding principles and civic virtues.
• I can explain the various sections and purposes of the Declaration of Independence.

Part 1: The Preamble

In this section of the Declaration, the authors were explaining the reasons for separating from Great Britain and becoming an independent nation reasons for separating from Great Britain and becoming an independent nation.

Quote	Vocabulary	In my own words	Justice, Natural Rights, Neither, or Both? (J, NR, N, B)
In Congress, July 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,		13 states are saying something together.	Natural Rights (NR)
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another,	dissolve: get rid of
and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them,	Laws of Nature: the natural abilities and rights people are born with.
a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.	impel: urge
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,	self-evident: obvious endowed: given unalienable: unable to be taken away.
that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Part 2: List of Grievances

In this section of the Declaration, the authors listed grievances, or complaints, against King George III of Great Britain and his government.

Quote	Vocabulary	In my own words	Justice, Natural Rights, Neither, or Both? (J, NR, N, B)
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:	Quartering: forcing people to house soldiers in their homes
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:	imposing: forcing
for depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury	Depriving: denying

Part 3: Conclusion

In this section of the Declaration, the authors make their final statement to the world that they are independent based on all of the reasons they listed.

Quote	Vocabulary	In my own words	Justice, Natural Rights, Neither, or Both? (J, NR, N, B)
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; (lines 85–88)	rectitude: goodness