Name:_______________________
Date:________________________
Upper Dublin High School
HIST 192: Pre-Revolutionary War and Declaration of Independence Reading Activity.
Introduction: The Declaration of Independence has been regarded as one of the most
important and monumental documents ever written. It not only single-handedly sealed the
colonists fate in the sense that they could not turn back, but it helped to establish a sense of
identity for us as a people. Many Americans identify with their nation through a sense of
patriotism. The origins of that patriotism evolve from this era and begin with this document that
you are about to read.
WARNING: Please read this and the excerpt from the textbook on pages 118-121 before you
get started. You have to understand the ideological basis on which the document was written
and why the colonists had strongly conflicting views about how people are represented in
democracy.
Democracy: Refer to page 120: (in a nutshell)
Democracy is essentially rule by the people. Simple. Huh? Not really. It began with the
ancient Greeks almost 2500 years ago. At that time, they had legislative (law making) bodies
as well as an assembly, where all Athenian-born, wealthy males could vote (sound like colonial
America). Consider one thing: Their population was extremely small compared to that of the
colonies. Would it be easier to run a democracy in Greece or America? Why?
As time went on and people became smarter after the Renaissance and the
Enlightenment, important thinkers such as John _Locke_ and Thomas Hobbes coined key terms
and phrases about people and their relationship with nature (a.k.a. the outside world). Their
arguments are cornerstones to modern democracy: if we don’t give up certain rights and
privileges, we would have anarchy…so we give up rights to live under a system of government.
The purpose of the government is to protect the people and make sure (as the number one
priority) that all humans have the rights of life, liberty, and property (these are also known as
_natural_ rights). If these rights are not respected, the people (because they are violated
humans) have the right to change the government to one that will give them these rights.
**The power comes from the “consent of the governed”: what does that mean?
that the citizenry elects to give a select few power with the expectation that they will represent
the views and do make policy that is appropriate for the citizenry.
Why do you think that Jefferson would call upon these examples to use as his
framework for the Declaration of Independence?
He must write a document that makes their separation legitimate. He essentially had to use a
specific law of philosophy that would make their declaration justified. Since the British had
violated a known law that is accepted, the disgruntlement and declaration is just.
Now, let start with why the colonists had a struggle with the British over “taxation
without representation”
a.
Here is the answer: Democracy is like asking about how a movie was. It
depends on who you ask. The British have their own view of how people are
represented. They believe in _virtual representation_ (think of virtual as meaning
you are there but you really aren’t-like virtual reality video games- they were big
in the mid 1990’s). The British felt that the citizen population was represented by
electing a member to Parliament. They held the trust that their leader would
represent them accurately (the British sat in a recliner and let their
representatives do the work). This differs very much from the colonial view,
where people had direct control and say over who they elected. The colonists
played an active role.
Now the British felt that the colonists were represented not only by virtual
representation, but also that: (answer) their own representatives in Britain looked
out for them in the same way
The colonists were very democratically active (if you cant tell by all of the
protesting from 1764-1776) Can you now see why they wanted representation?
The colonists wanted representation in _Parliament_, while still being loyal to the
_King_. However, this all changed.
Flip to the page (119) The Declaration of Independence
1. What was unique about the Second Continental Congress and Common Sense? How
were the delegates feeling at this time?
The Second Continental Congress met from May 1775 to July 1776 sporadically so
Common Sense was able to affect their dealings at the congress. Many leaned toward
independence, but some sought a compromise with Britain.
2. What was the spark that sent the delegates to motion toward independence?
The rejection of the Olive Branch Petition in November 1775.
3. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? Thomas Jefferson (VA)
4. Briefly describe the three parts to the Declaration of Independence.
a. Preamble: The explanation of the purpose of the declaration.
b. Declaration of Rights: Political Ideas on which the document was based.
-Humans have natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness) that are
unalienable.
-Social Contract: People form governments to protect their natural rights. If the
government does not act in the best interest of the people and does not protect
their rights, then the people have the right to revolt. “Consent of the Governed”
c. Complaints/Resolution: Grievances against the King that violated natural rights
and rule of law (make decisions based on law, not on personal wishes)
-Res: ought to be “free and independent states”
5. Now that you have been introduced to the Declaration of Independence and the
ideological reasons behind it, answer the following set of questions.
Questions on the Declaration of Independence
1. What do you think Thomas Jefferson is saying to Great Britain in the introduction to the
Declaration of Independence?
That they have violated accepted laws of society in terms of human/natural rights. The
accepted law of being able to revolt and create a government that respects these rights is just.
The King has violated these on numerous occasions and therefore has given the colonists the
right to revolt.
2. According to the 2nd paragraph, what “unalienable rights” are guaranteed to all men?
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
3. According to the 2nd paragraph, where do governments derive their power?
From the consent of the governed: governments are created to protect these rights. When they
are violated, people have the right to alter or abolish that govt’ and create one based on these
natural rights.
4. The Declaration contains a long list of complaints against King George III. Summarize 5
of these complaints in your own words.—27 total
a. He has dissolved legislatures: Coercive Acts (Boston)
b. He has kept standing armies in the colonies without consent (Quartering Act)
c. He has kept the navy in the harbors, burned towns, and killed people (Lex/Conc)
d. He has encouraged Indian attacks on the frontier (Proc. 1763)
e. First 3: Taxation without Representation, Rule of Law
5. According to the Declaration, what was the colonial response to each of the kings
“Oppressions”? Please answer in your own words.
All attempts to solve the situations have been met with ignorance or further irritation. The
colonists have asked nicely and the King has responded with tyranny.
6. In the final paragraph, the colonies declare themselves independent of Great Britain. As
“Free and Independent States” they now have the power to do what?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Power to Levy War
Conclude Peace
Contract Alliances
Establish Commerce
Do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.
7. Were the colonists justified in declaring independence from Great Britain? Explain your
answer.