The First Principles of The Declaration of Independence

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The First Principles of The Declaration of Independence Mr. Elder

The First Principles of The Declaration of Independence Mr. Elder

Context �As we have already discussed, America was experiencing harsh taxing and unfavorable policies

Context �As we have already discussed, America was experiencing harsh taxing and unfavorable policies laid down by King George III and his government. �Stamp Act �Townshend Acts �Quartering Acts

Framework �The Declaration is broken into 10 parts: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Framework �The Declaration is broken into 10 parts: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Heading Preamble Philosophy of Government List of King’s Abuse of Power List of Obnoxious Acts of Parliament List of Deeds of Violence and Cruelty Appeals to King Appeals to British People Declaration of American Sovereignty and Separation from the British Empire Signatures

The Principles (1 -4) “We hold these truths to be selfevident, that all men

The Principles (1 -4) “We hold these truths to be selfevident, 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. ”

Part 1 �“We hold these truths to be self-evident…” �Unquestionably true �Demand consistency and

Part 1 �“We hold these truths to be self-evident…” �Unquestionably true �Demand consistency and adherence �Laws not developed from the letter or spirit of first principle are invalid �Citizens must respect laws, but are obligated to appeal if the laws are inconsistent with the first principle

Part 2 �“…all men are created equal…” �All legitimate law connected to these 5

Part 2 �“…all men are created equal…” �All legitimate law connected to these 5 words �“men”= mankind as a whole �Simple assertion of human rights

Part 3 �“…they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights…” �Establishes vitality

Part 3 �“…they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights…” �Establishes vitality of rights �“They”= all people �Cannot be taken away �Cannot sell or trade

Part 4 �“…that among these rights are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Part 4 �“…that among these rights are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. ” �Specific universal rights � Life= right to live � Liberty= in government, recognizing limits on individual freedoms, while seeking to maximize freedom as much as possible � Pursuit of Happiness= affording all the same opportunities to do what makes a person happy, within the confines of the law.

Critical Thinking �Name one example of the Declaration's principles being applied in the 20

Critical Thinking �Name one example of the Declaration's principles being applied in the 20 th century. If this instance had not occured, how would today be different? �Are there any principles in the Declaration that you disagree with? If so, how would you change it? If not, describe another principle you would add.