Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence [1776]
Thomas Jefferson et al.
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly, all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former system of government. The history of the present king of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
Questions for Discussion
1. What truths were self-evident?
A) that all men are not created equal
B) that men don’t have rights
C) that men are suffering
D) that men must exercise prudence
E) that men have certain rights
2. From where do governments get their power?
A) from the people
B) from the Creator
C) among men
D) from a new foundation
E) from the king
3. Why should a new government be instituted?
A) There were light and transient reasons.
B) It was long established.
C) The people were suffering.
D) There was concern for safety and happiness.
E) They needed to abolish the accustomed forms.
4. How does the Declaration of Independence describe the thirteen colonies?
A) king’s injuries and usurpations
B) suffering patiently
C) absolute despotism
D) pursuing the same object
E) providing new guards
5. How does the Declaration of Independence describe the king of Great Britain?
A) He caused injuries.
B) He was a kindly ruler.
C) He was an absolute tyrant.
D) He was a friend of the people.
E) He guarded the people securely