The Declaration of Independence

Read the Declaration of Independence and answer the following questions.

1. What is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence, as stated in the preamble? Put this in your own words, rather than directly quoting the preamble.
2. What groups did the Continental Congress hope to sway by this document?
3. According to Jefferson, who has the right to create government? What is the purpose of government? What should be done if a government fails to fulfill its purpose?
4. using your answers from question 3, summarize in your own words Jefferson’s philosophy of government. (This philosophy is Jefferson’s major premise or assumption in the Declaration of Independence).
5. Select any five grievances against King George III and the British Parliament that Jefferson lists in the Declaration of Independence. Copy the grievance, then state for each one the British law or action which may have prompted that complaint.
6. What legal means of protest did the colonists take to try to convince Britain to change its ways?
7. How did the British respond to these complaints?
8. What conclusion did Jefferson draw?
9. What sacrifices were the signers willing to make to gain their independence?