American Government/Civics
Review
SSCG2: The student will analyze the natural rights philosophy and the nature of
government expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
b. Evaluate the Declaration of Independence as a persuasive argument.
•
Fill in these passages from the Declaration of Independence:
•
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are
________________________________, that they are endowed by
___________________________________________________________________
__, that among these are _____________________,
______________________, and the pursuit of _______________________...”
•
“That whenever any Form of Government becomes
___________________________________________________, it is the
_______________ of the People to __________________ or
________________________ it, and to institute a ________________
Government”
•
“…as to them shall seem most likely to affect their
______________________ and _______________________________”
What is the Declaration of
Independence?
The proclamation of independence formally
drafted by a committee of five members and
presented to the Second Continental Congress.
When adopted on July 4, 1776, it formally
proclaimed the existence of a new nation.
The introduction explained to everyone why the
colonist wanted to be free and the body listed the
grievances against the King. Based on the
emotional appeal of the wording and
overwhelming list of wrongs listed, this is certainly a
persuasive document.
Why was it written?
More restrictive British policies ignited
resentment in the colonies. This led to
the American Revolution. After a year of
fighting, the Second Continental
Congress agreed that it was time to
become an independent nation.
• Who was it written by? Mostly the work
of Thomas Jefferson but was assigned
to a committee of five members.
• Who was it written for? The American
Colonists, The British Government (King
George III and Parliament, and the
people of the world.
Do you feel that the purpose of the Declaration of
Independence was successful? Why or why not?
• Yes, the document explained that
humans have certain unalienable
rights and that when Government is
destructive, or denies these basic
rights, it is up to the people to do what
is necessary to form a fair and just
government. Also, it let the King and
the world know that the colonies
would become an independent
nation.
SSCG3: The student will demonstrate knowledge of the United States
Constitution.
b. Analyze the purpose of government stated in the Preamble of the
Constitution.
• Fill in the following passage from the Preamble:
• “We the people of the United States, in order to
_____________________________________________________,
establish ______________________, insure
_____________________________________, provide for the
_____________________________________, promote the
__________________________________________________, and
secure the blessings of liberty to
________________________________________________, do
ordain and establish this ________________________ for the
United States of America”
What is the Preamble and
introduction to?
• The Constitution of the United States of
America.
What does “in order to form a more
perfect union” mean?
• To come together and make things
better for everyone who lives in our
country.
What does “establish justice” mean?
• To make things as fair as possible for
everyone.
• Examples: laws that are fair, court
system, consequences, etc.
What does “insure domestic
tranquility” mean?
• To try and make sure that we live
peacefully together.
• Examples: keep things peaceful within
the U.S. so that everyone can provide
for themselves and live peacefully
What does “provide for the common
defense” mean?
• To protect the U.S. from other people
or countries who may try to harm us, as
in war, and to help us if we have been
harmed.
• Military, Department of Homeland
Security
What does “promote the general
welfare” mean?
• The well-being of citizens will be taken
care of as much as possible by the
federal government. Those in need will
be cared for.
• Healthcare, educational needs, fire
protection, police protection, FEMA,
Salvation Army
What does “secure the blessing of
liberty to ourselves and our
posterity” mean?
• To protect our rights and freedoms
and to not let anyone take them away
from us or the generations to come.
• Being able to choose our religion, say
what we think, etc.
Why do you think these specific
goals were so important?
• The Framers wanted a government that
worked. They were fearful of having a
government with too much power, such as
with a king; they were also fearful of having a
government that did not work, such as with
the Articles of Confederation. Each of these
goals related to something that the Framers
were either trying to “fix’ or to provide
protection from.