The Declaration of Independence: What It Means

MATCHING ACTIVITY

Read the eight statements below. Write each one of these "modern day translations" (in full) into the appropriate blank box next to the eight excerpts from the Declaration of Independence which appear on your handout. 

(A) England has repeatedly interfered with colonists' rights. In doing so, it has unfairly ruled over the American colonies.

(B) Individuals should have some basic rights that are obvious and should not be taken away. Freedom, for example, is one of those rights.

(C) We now consider ourselves to be an independent country.

(D) Here is proof that England has interfered with colonial rights: the King has not allowed laws that help colonists the most.

(E) When one group of people is going to break away from a country to form its own nation, then they should explain why they are doing it.

(F) When a government is taking away the rights of citizens and is not doing what the people want, then the citizens have the right to change or replace the government.

(G) Every time we colonists felt we were being treated unfairly, we wrote to the King. He answered us by treating us more unfairly. A ruler who abuses his power should not be able to rule us.

(H) Governments are formed to make sure people's rights are protected. Government power should come from the people.