Vocabulary | On your worksheet please list and define 5 vocabulary words from the Declaration of Independence. Choose words that you didn't already know and/or words that you feel are the most important to know in order for someone to understand the Declaration of Independence. Please also include a simple illustration to go along with the definition (these drawings do not need to be perfect, but are meant to help you remember the vocabulary).
To completely get rid of or do away with something. The colonists wanted to abolish British rule and create their own government.
Complete and total, with no limits or exceptions. The king had absolute power over the colonies, which the colonists believed was unfair.
Permission or agreement to something. The colonists believed that governments need the consent of the people they rule.
To publicly announce or state something officially. The colonists decided to declare their independence from Britain.
A system of government where one person has complete power and rules cruelly. The colonists accused King George of despotism.
Given or provided with something naturally or by birth. The Declaration states that all people are endowed with certain rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Complaints or reasons for being upset about unfair treatment. The Declaration lists 27 grievances, or complaints, against King George.
Good judgment and careful thinking before taking action. The Declaration says people should use prudence before changing their government.
The freedom to try to achieve what makes you happy in life.
Moral correctness; doing what is right and honest. The colonists appealed to the world with rectitude and justice on their side.
So obviously true that it doesn't need to be proven. The Declaration says it is self-evident that all people are created equal.
Cannot be taken away or surrendered; permanent and unchangeable. The Declaration says people have unalienable rights that no government should take away.
The illegal or wrongful seizing of power or authority that doesn't belong to you. The colonists listed the king's usurpations as reasons for independence.