As part of the APA US History class expectations, you are expected to memorize the first two sentences of the Declaration of Independence. But why is the Declaration of Independence so important? The Declaration of Independence was the first time that a nation’s people asserted their right to choose their own government. The Declaration states all of the grievances that American colonists had with King George III, what they tried to do to resolve the issue, and their ultimate conclusion, which was to break off and declare independence.
This is the part of the Declaration that you have to memorize:
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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.
Now, Answer the following questions:
- When was the Declaration signed? It was signed in June 4th, 1776
- Who wrote the Declaration? The main author was Thomas Jefferson, but other founding fathers, especially Benjamin Franklin and John Adams played a role as well.
- What are the rights that all men have according to the Declaration?
- What became necessary to do after a while (in the course of human events)?
The Declaration of Independence over time has become a model for many other movements. In particular, the Declaration of Sentiments and the recent statement in favor of Gavin Newsom’s recall.
Now, it is your time to write your own Declaration of Independence. Think of something which you have been unhappy with for a while now, you can explain why it makes you unhappy, and you know want to free yourself from. For example, when I was in high school and college, I would eat a lot of instant ramen. I loved the spicy, starchy taste, but realized that it was doing me a lot of harm. I was not feeding my body enough nutrients and I was over 200 pounds. I tried to cut back, but eventually, I realized it wasn’t worth it. So, in the end, in my junior year of college, I wrote my “Declaration of Independence” from ramen once and for all!
Here is an example for you to study: It was written by the California on My Honor Curriculum
Dear Julius,
We have known each other for 2 years now, and even though sometimes we get along really well, I feel like there are some things that just aren’t working for me.
We are supposed to be in this relationship together, but sometimes I feel like you don’t listen to me. That really hurts my feelings. I think that you should listen to my feelings, ask me how I’m doing, and tell me you love me everyday. I just really feel like you’ve been doing a lot of things that are not very nice. If you don’t know what they are, I’ll tell you.
You don’t tell me how you’re feeling.
You said something mean to your friends about me.
You lied about where you were.
You hardly ever listen to my side of a story.
Your friends are more important to you than I am.
You don’t think my jokes are funny.
Sometimes I feel like you’re using me.
You didn’t notice my new haircut and outfit.
You bring me down.
I have told you over and over that I hate it when you do all those things and you never do anything to change. It just seems like I am annoying you when I tell you how I feel.
I think that it would be better for both of us if we broke up. I have made my decision, so from now on please do not try to call me or text me. It will be better for us if we are alone and can spend more time on school and our own lives.
From,
Jessica
