Declaration of Independence Its Common Sense Common Sense

Common Sense • Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine • Purpose was to tell the

Common Sense • Paine wrote that people should rule themselves. • “A government of

• Richard Henry Lee, from Virginia introduced a resolution in favor of independence

SHOULD THEY BREAK? • If they declared independence, they were traitors. Traitor – a

Committee of 5 • Thomas Jefferson, VA • Benjamin Franklin, PA • John Adams,

John Hancock • President of Continental Congress • Signed Declaration of Independence First •

July 2, 1776 • Vote to make colonies “free and independent states” • Some

July 4, 1776 • John Hancock signed document on that date

Different parts of the Declaration • Preamble – introduction – Explains why the document

Natural Rights • Rights belonging to all people from birth – unalienable/natural • (based

Natural Rights • Governments can only exist if they have the “consent of the

British Wrongs • Quartering British soldiers in colonists’ homes • Cutting off trade with

Independence • Last part is the actual Declaration of Independence. • They closed the

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Declaration of Independence

It’s Common Sense

Common Sense • Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine • Purpose was to tell the colonists that it was time to make the break. • Published January 1776, 500, 000 copies sold within 6 months.

Common Sense • Colonists did not owe loyalty to King George III. • Very idea of having Kings or Queens was wrong. • Colonists owed nothing to Britain. They helped colonists only for their own profits. • Ridiculous country 3, 000 miles away to rule a continent (British Colonies)

Common Sense • Paine wrote that people should rule themselves. • “A government of our own is a natural right. ” • “Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. … ‘Tis time to part. ”

• Richard Henry Lee, from Virginia introduced a resolution in favor of independence in June 7, 1776. • “…these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States. ”

SHOULD THEY BREAK? • If they declared independence, they were traitors. Traitor – a person who betrays his country. PENALTY: DEATH BY HANGING

Committee of 5 • Thomas Jefferson, VA • Benjamin Franklin, PA • John Adams, MA • Robert Livingston, NY • Roger Sherman, CT

John Hancock • President of Continental Congress • Signed Declaration of Independence First • He said that King George will be able to see his signature without his glasses nd 2

July 2, 1776 • Vote to make colonies “free and independent states” • Some changes were made.

July 4, 1776 • John Hancock signed document on that date

Different parts of the Declaration • Preamble – introduction – Explains why the document was written • “…they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. ”

Natural Rights • Rights belonging to all people from birth – unalienable/natural • (based on Locke) • Life • Liberty • Pursuit of Happiness

Natural Rights • Governments can only exist if they have the “consent of the governed” • If government fails to protect the rights, then people have the duty to overthrow the government and replace it.

British Wrongs • Quartering British soldiers in colonists’ homes • Cutting off trade with all parts of the world • Imposing taxes without representation in Parliament • Hiring Hessians to fight against the colonists

Independence • Last part is the actual Declaration of Independence. • They closed the Declaration with a solemn pledge, pledging their lives, fortune, and sacred honor. • Have the power to declare war, set up trade, and make treaties.