Skip to Main Content

Lesson

Rights and the Declaration of Independence

Guiding question

What is the American idea of religious toleration and religious liberty?

Duration
105 min
Grade
9–12
Published
Nov 5, 2020
Colonial soldiers engage in battle with British troops in a green field, with smoke rising in the background.
The Declaration of Independence, based in part on the philosophy of John Locke, was an “expression of the American mind”. Going back to Magna Carta, British nobles had petitioned the monarch demanding limits to his power. But Locke argues and the Declaration of Independence asserts that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed. Locke’s ideas were too democratic, too revolutionary for his time in England, but a century later they had a firm hold in the American colonies, and in 1776 they were the basis of the original and most fundamental American statement of rights, the Declaration of Independence.

Founding Principles

Natural/Inalienable Rights

Objectives

  • Students will explain how the First Amendment protects religious freedom.
  • Students will differentiate between religious toleration and religious liberty.
  • Students will identify early legislation regarding religious liberty.
  • Students will analyze Washington’s response to the Jewish congregation in Newport, RI.

Materials

Educator Resources

Student Handouts

Lesson Components

ActivityHandout A: From Establishment to Free Exercise Essay
ActivityHandout B: Defining Toleration and Liberty
ActivityHandout C: Religion and America’s Past Toleration, Liberty, or Both?
ActivityHandout D: Religion and America’s Past Toleration, Liberty, or Both? Graphic Organizer
ActivityPrimary Source: Washington’s Letter to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island (1790)
EssayEssay: Rights and the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, based in part on the philosophy of John Locke, was an "expression of the American mind". Going back to Magna Carta, British nobles had petitioned the monarch demanding limits to his power. But Locke argues and the Declaration of Independence asserts that legitimate government is based on the consent of the governed. Locke's ideas were too democratic, too revolutionary for his time in England, but a century later they had a firm hold in the American colonies, and in 1776 they were the basis of the original and most fundamental American statement of rights, the Declaration of Independence.

Sign in as an educator to view teacher materialsSign in →

Lesson plan

105 minClick a phase to open it

Key Terms

Bill of Rights
Constitution
Declaration of Independence
Diversity
Equality

Standards

Check whether this resource aligns with your state’s standards →

Related materials

The Declaration of Independence primary source
Primary SourceDeclaration of Independence

On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee brought what came to be called the Lee Resolution before the Continental Congress. This resolution stated “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states ...” Congress debated independence for several days.