Lesson
The Declaration of Independence, Natural Rights, and Slavery
Guiding question
What is natural rights theory and how is it at the foundation of the Declaration of Independence?
Guiding Questions:
- What is natural rights theory and how is it at the foundation of the Declaration of Independence?
- How do natural rights theory and the Founding principles at the heart of the Declaration of Independence challenge slavery?
Objectives:
- Students will define natural rights theory and examine how it forms the foundation for the principles in the Declaration of Independence.
- Students will explain how natural rights theory is at odds with the existence of slavery.
- Students will summarize the main ideas of historic texts.
- Students will create arguments supported by evidence from primary sources.
Materials
Student Resources:
- Glossary
- Background Essay
- Slide deck on main ideas of background essay
- Engage: Natural Rights Theory
- Explore: The Declaration of Independence, Natural Rights, and Slavery
- Assess and Reflect: The Declaration of Independence, Natural Rights, and Slavery
Teacher Resources:
- Answer Key
Lesson Components
Lesson plan
90 minClick a phase to open it
Key Terms
- Preamble
- Natural rights theory
- dissolve
- Laws of Nature
- impel
More Information
Facilitation Notes:
- Glossary terms for this lesson are provided on a separate handout. The terms are also defined on each source prior to the historical context/introduction for each source.
Standards
Related materials
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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.
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