Analyzing a Foundational Document:

The Declaration of Independence


Introduction

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson set ink to paper and wrote, "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; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness...". The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document that established Americans’ core beliefs about freedom, the rule of law, and the proper role of government. It sparked a revolution in action, but also in thought, about the relationship between individual rights and the use of government power. The idea that individuals were created equally, with inherent natural rights, along with the assertion that the government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed, was a radical departure from the divine right of kings. Future generations of Americans have invoked the Declaration in many ways: to unite in times of hardship, to hold government power accountable, as well as debating its meaning in our election cycles and in the form of various social movements throughout American history. Enshrined in the Unites States' Constitution, and embodied in our institutions of government and political processes, the principles put forth in the Declaration are at the heart of our political beliefs and actions as a nation.

Read

Read and annotate the The Declaration of Independence

Optional: You may find this lecture from the Bill of Rights Institute helpful to guide your annotation

Listen

Listen to the following podcast and take notes

Note: The Declaration is covered from the start of the podcast until 35:00m. While you may choose to stop there, we encourage you to listen to the remainder of the podcast as it discusses the Declaration's connection to the US Constitution which we will also cover later this school year.

Research & Write

Select one of the options below, and write a reflection essay that incorporates at least 2 key ideas from the scholars' podcast commentary and 2 ideas from the Declaration of Independence as its relates to an issue in American government and politics today. While we've provided some suggested current events, you are welcome to explore a current issue beyond that which is suggested. Click the links below to learn more.


Option 1: The Proper Role of Government

Explain how the Declaration of Independence influences Americans' attitudes about the proper role of government.

Suggested current events include: COVID-19 policies (masking laws, vaccine mandates, etc.); Was the government too intrusive, or justified, in its exercise of power against COVID-19?


Option 2: Individual Liberty and Freedom

Explain how the Declaration of Independence influences Americans' attitudes about individual liberty and freedom.

Suggested current events include: Abortion (Roe v Wade, Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization, etc.); How can the Declaration's understanding of natural rights and liberty inform our thinking about abortion?


Option 3: Equality

Explain how the Declaration of Independence influences Americans' attitudes about equality.

Suggested current events include: The Equal Rights Amendment ; How can the Declaration's understanding of equality inform our thinking about the Equal Rights Amendment?


Submission Criteria:

  • Have a thesis that articulates a defensible claim and establishes a line of reasoning

  • Contain at least 2 ideas from the Declaration of Independence and 2 ideas from the podcast that connect to 1 issue occurring in American government (the legislative, executive and/or judicial branches) or American politics today

  • 600-750 words

  • Double-Spaced, Size 12 Times New Roman Font

  • Provide citations (either MLA in-text citations or footnotes are acceptable) with a Works Cited page *Citations/Footnotes do not count towards your the overall word count

  • Turn in your work during the first week of school. Your teacher will provide specific instructions for submission. *Please do not email responses directly to your teacher.

Questions? Reach out to Ms. Cottrell (lcottrell@bishopoconnell.org) or Mr. Ruff (eruff@bishopoconnell.org).