Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution (textbook)
Read the DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE on pages 74-75 of the textbook (chapter 2 -- "THe American Revolution")
AND
Read "The Constitution Handbook" on pages 120-122 of the textbook and answer the questions below:
1. Why do you think the revolutionaries thought it was important to formally declare independence from Great Britain, since the fighting had already begun anyway?
2.What are "self-evident" truths? (paragraph 2)
3. What are "unalienable" rights? (paragraph2)
4. What are the purposes of government? (paragraph 2)
5. When is rebellion justified? (paragraph 3)
6. Identify three grievances (complaints) against the British government.
7. What is a "constitution'?
8. Since the "contract" between the people and government was laid out in the Declaration of Independence in 1776, why do you think it was over ten years later until it was decided that we needed a written constitution?
9. Explain in your own words each of the underlying principles of our Constitution:
a) popular sovereignty
b) republicanism
c) limited government
d) federalism
e) separation of powers
f) checks and balances
g) individual rights