DBQ –
Declaration of Independence
Document Analysis Questions
The Ideals of the
Declaration:
Which is Most
Important?
Key Vocabulary
1) Independence – to not
depend on anyone or
anything else; to be on your
own.
2) Grievances - complaints
3) Ideals – principles that you
look up to; the highest goals
you can aim for
4) Self-evident - obvious
5) Unalienable rights – rights
that can not be taken away
6) Consent – permission
7) Alter – change
8) Abolish – get rid of; destroy
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson writing the
Declaration
The Hook!…
Background Essay
Parts of the Declaration
Analyzing the intro…
The intro. to the
Declaration of Independence
IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.
The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to
dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume
among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of
Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of
mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the
separation.
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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are
instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,
--That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is
the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government,
laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to
them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
4 Ideals in the Declaration
Equality
Unalienable rights
Consent of the governed
Right to alter or abolish government
Applying the Ideals…
Document A
1. Which of the four beliefs is highlighted in this
document?
2. What do you think this principle meant to most
Americans in 1776?
3. What does “men” mean to 260 women and 40
men present at Seneca Falls?
4. What does equality mean to Diana Pham?
5. How might you use this document to argue that
“equality” is the most important ideal in the
Declaration of Independence?
Document B
1. Which of the four beliefs is the focus of this
document?
2. In the cartoon who is adding the words “plus
Health Care” to the Declaration of
Independence?
3. Why do you think Sullivan says he believes in
the pursuit of happiness, rather than
happiness itself? Do you agree with him?
Document B
4. Is it possible for a society to achieve equality
without liberty?
5. Can a society to achieve liberty without
equality? Explain.
6. How might you use this document to argue
that the unalienable right to life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness is the most
important ideal in the Declaration of
Independence?
Document C
1. Which of the four ideals
is the focus of this
document?
2. Why did the students
protest at Tiananmen
Square? What was the
result?
3. In a government based
on the “consent of the
governed”, who is the
ultimate authority?
Document C
4. In a country like China, do you think it is
possible to achieve liberty without the
“consent of the governed”?
5. Can you achieve happiness without the
“consent of the governed”?
6. How might you use this document to argue
that “consent of the governed” is the most
important ideal in the Declaration of
Independence?
Document D
1. Which of the four
beliefs is the focus of
this document?
2. What is the overall
message of this
photograph?
3. What is the Tea Party?
Document D
4. What does the Tea Party hope to achieve –
altering or abolishing the government?
Give evidence to support your answer.
5. How might you use this document to argue
that the right of the people to alter or abolish
government is the most important ideal in
the Declaration of Independence?
6. What is more important: equality or the right
to alter or abolish one’s government?
4 Ideals in the Declaration
Equality
Unalienable rights
Consent of the governed
Right to alter or abolish government
The Ideals of the
Declaration:
Which is Most
Important?
Resources on
the Declaration of Independence
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/declarati
on_transcript.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8OI7itQJpfE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eccgj5u_Ydc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvOZs3g3qIo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_56cZGRMx4