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Lesson

The Declaration of Independence and the Preamble to the Constitution

Guiding question

How did principles shape the republican framework of the new constitutional government?

Grade
6–8
Published
Jul 6, 2025
Facade of the Archives of the United States, featuring columns and large flags in red, white, and blue.
Analyze the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by looking at key phrases from each document.

Founding Principles

Natural/Inalienable Rights

Objective:

  • Students will analyze the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by looking at key phrases from each document.  

Materials

Student Resources:

Lesson Components

ActivityApple of Gold in a Frame of Silver Middle School Constitution Handout

Analyze the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by looking at key phrases from each document.

EssayThe Golden Core: Framing America’s Founding Ideals Middle School Essay

Analyze the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution by looking at key phrases from each document.

Lesson plan

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Standards

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