Do you know the name of the document which contains the

words:

“ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal”

The Declaration of Independence

“ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal”

Do you know who wrote the words?

“ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal”

Thomas Jefferson

“ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal”

Do you know in what year these words were written?

“ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

1776

“ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

What do you think these words mean? Explain.

“ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

Do you agree with these words, why or why not?

“ We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal.”

declaration To tell or say something publically

The purpose of the Declaration was to tell the world why the 13 colonies wanted to get rid of British control.

liberty Freedom

“people have the right to life, liberty, and happiness.”

consent Agreement or to agree to

“… deriving their powers from the consent of the governed.”

In a democracy, people choose their government and their leaders by voting.

despotism An unfair ruler or abusive system of

government

Britain was a monarchy, a country ruled by a king or queen. The 13 Colonies did not want a monarchy any more.

dissolve To get rid of or do away with

unalienable Something that can’t be taken away

pursuit To go after something or someone

alter To change

abolish To get rid of something

abuses mistreatment

Jefferson : Hero or HypocriteThomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of

Independence, gave us many of our ideas about democratic government. In addition to being a Founding Father, and serving as the nation’s third President, Jefferson was renown for his encyclopedic knowledge of farming, architecture, and science. However, Jefferson is not without his critics. Many have pointed out that the man who penned the famous words “all men are created equal” was also a slave holder, and his plans for expanding the United States led to trampling the rights of Native Americans. What do you think? Was Jefferson a hero or hypocrite? How should we evaluate his role in our history?