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Explore the reasons for the colonists' desire for independence, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and the principles of democracy it presents. Learn about the Articles of Confederation and their weaknesses, leading to the need for a stronger national government.
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The Declaration of Independence Click on the target to begin
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence, and why? • Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence; it was signed on July 4, 1776. • It was meant to justify the reasons why the colonists wanted to separate from England
Four parts of the Declaration of IndepeNdence 1. The Preamble – an Introduction 2. Declaration of Natural Rights – Statement of its purpose“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…life, liberty and pursuit of happiness…” 3. List of Grievances (complaints) – 27 complaints to King George III 4. Resolution of Independence – Statement of independence from Great Britain
Part Two – Declaration of Natural Rights “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.”
Part Two – Declaration of Natural Rights Identify which principle of democracy is shown in each statement. “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.”
Beliefs within the Declaration of Independence To the right is a series of quotes from the Declaration of Independence. These are statements of beliefs. Match each quote up with the correct principle of democracy.
Beliefs within the Declaration of Independence To the right is a series of quotes from the Declaration of Independence. These are grievances (complaints) against the King. Match each quote up with the correct principle of democracy.
Part Two: The Articles of Confederation Click the target to begin
What type of government did the founding fathers first create? They created a Confederation - gov’t where the power is located in the States. • Why? • The fear of having too much power in one person’s hands reflects the experiences the colonies had under a monarchy
What was the Articles of Confederation? • The Articles of Confederation was the first attempt to create a unified government in this country (before the Constitution). • The Articles of Confederation were written in 1777 by John Dickinson, a Penn. statesman and accepted by Congress in 1781
Why did it fail? • The founding fathers, worried about a government that was too powerful, severely limited national powers in the Articles of Confederation. It had too many weaknesses to survive.
What happened with Shays’ rebellion? • 1787: When tax collectors tried to collect from Massachusetts farmers, Daniel Shays led a rebellion of nearly 1,200 men. Armed with pitchforks, they marched to the state’s capitol and threatened to burn it down • The federal government under the Articles of Confederation was extremely weak, and could do nothing to stop Shays’ Rebellion Angry Farmers!!!!!!
What did Shay’s Rebellion prove? • Convinced the founding fathers that we needed a stronger national government • When they worked to make changes to the Articles of Confederation, they ultimately decided to replace it with a new Constitution!
Joke • Why did the Articles of Confederation decide to go to a weight room?Because it was weak!