An American Primer: The Founding Documents The curriculum, Being an American: Exploring the Ideals that Unite Us,

was made possible by a generous grant from the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation.

Being an American: Exploring The Ideals That Unite Us

Six core lesson plans with extension activities Understand the importance of the American experiment American HeroesCharacter Cards Declaration of Independence

Being An American: Exploring the Ideals that Unite Us Lesson Overview Quote Summary Objectives Materials List

Lesson Plan Background Warm-Up Activity Homework Extensions Handouts

Answer Key Founding Documents Suggested Readings

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies 8. Delineate and evaluate the reasoning in seminal U.S. texts, including the application of constitutional principles and use of legal reasoning (e.g., in U.S. Supreme Court majority opinions and dissents) and the premises, purposes, and arguments in works of public advocacy (e.g., The Federalist, presidential addresses). 9. Analyze seventeenth-, eighteenth-, and nineteenthcentury foundational U.S. documents of historical and literary significance (including The Declaration of Independence, the Preamble to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and Lincolns Second Inaugural Address) for their themes, purposes, and rhetorical features.

The Declaration of Independence states that governments are established by

1. the consent of the governed.

2.

a decent respect for the opinions of mankind. needs.

a power that can keep all men in awe. a revolutionary movement against the existing order.

3. 4.

5.

not sure

What does the Declaration of Independence reveal about American ideals?

The Declaration of Independence, John Trumbull, completed in 1794

The Declaration of Independence

The object of the Declaration of Independenceto be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion. ~Thomas Jefferson, 1825
Thomas Jefferson, by Rembrandt Peale, (1800)

The Declaration of Independence

On the distinctive principles of the Governmentof the United States, the best guides are to be found inthe Declaration of Independence, as the fundamental Act of Union of these States. ~James Madison, 1825

James Madison by John Vanderlyn, (1816)

The Declaration of Independence

Declaration Scavenger Hunt (Handout A, p. 4) Tell how the person, idea or item was or is related to the Declaration of Independence (Appendix A). Thomas Jefferson John Hancock Natural Rights John Locke Continental Revolutionary War Congress Sacred Honor The Lee Resolution Social Compact Common Sense

The Declaration of Independence

See pages 116 118; Refer to Handout B (p. 5) Work in 6 small groups to identify the purpose(s) and key ideas of your assigned part of the Declaration of Independence. (Instructions to students noteDont get bogged down in unfamiliar vocabulary) Group 1: Paragraph 1Introduction Group 2: Paragraphs 2 & 3Preamble Group 3: Paragraphs 4 & following Indictment (From He has forbidden his Governors to For quartering large bodies of troops) Group 4: Indictment continuedFor quartering large bodies of troops to In every stage of these oppressions Group 5: DenunciationNor have we been wanting (bottom p. 117) Group 6: ConclusionWe therefore, the Representatives

The Declaration of Independence

Why is the signatures section important?

Explain We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. Why include a long list of grievances?
What was the reason for pointing out that the colonists had tried to get the King to change the way he treated them? Which section do you believe was the most important section? Why?

The Declaration of Independence

Handout C: Key Excerpts Working with a partner or two, analyze the excerpts from the Declaration and underline words or phrases you think are important. How should we understand all men are created equal?

The Declaration of Independence

Discussion Questions, Handout C 1. What do you think unalienable rights means?

2. How could the Continental Congress approve this document when so many of its members owned slaves?
3. Does the fact that many of these men owned slaves mean these ideals are wrong or less important?
Thomas Jefferson Charles Willson Peale, (1791)

The Declaration of Independence

Debrief (Discussion Questions, p. 3) As Americans, what reasons do we have to be proud of this document? What does the Declaration tell the world about the United States? Are the Declarations ideals outdated, or are they still true today? Do these ideals matter to you? If so, how and why?

Handout D: A Note on the Signers We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The Declaration of Independence states that governments are established by

1. the consent of the governed.

2.

a decent respect for the opinions of mankind. needs.

a power that can keep all men in awe. a revolutionary movement against the existing order.

3. 4.

5.

not sure

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