Declaration+of+Independence+Quest+for+Knowledge

 =//**The Declaration of Independence - A Quest for Knowledge**// = = = 

//**If you don’t know the meaning of a word, here are ways to increase your vocabulary:**// • look it up in a dictionary • www.wordcentral.com • www.dictionary.com

[[file:4 Dec of Ind Quest.doc]] If you would prefer here is a copy of the actual document!
=Instructions: What you should see after following the instructions. = 

1. Go to: http://bensguide.gpo.gov Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
 A picture of Benjamin Franklin Flying a Kite. Links in the kite for different grade levels.

2. Click on the link: “6-8” Grades 6 - 8
 Benjamin Franklin pointing to a chalk board with links on it.

3. Click on the link: “Historical Documents” Historical Documents


4. Click on the link: “Declaration of Independence” The Declaration of Independence
 Links to the most important documents in U.S. political history from 1776 to 1863.

//** Answer the following questions. (Due to time limitations, complete sentences are not required.) **//<span style="color: #ff0000; display: block; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 150%; text-align: left;"> 1. What does the Declaration of Independence signify?

2. Who penned (authored and wrote) the Declaration of Independence? (first and last name)

3. We celebrate July 4th every year? Why? What happened on that day? _

4. What had happened two days earlier on July 2nd?

__5. Describe the main topic of the two sections of The Declaration of Independence. Part 1:__ Part 2: __6. Define the following words that are in the Declaration of Independence.

self-evident__

__endowed__ _

unalienable

rights

pursuit

7. In your own words, how would you describe to an 8-year old what this sentence means: 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. _

8. To secure the rights of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, governments are created that get their power from whom? _

9. destructive of Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness, what do the people have the right to do?

10. The Declaration of Independence points out that history has shown that mankind has a tendency to endure suffering at the hands of evil doers rather than do the work and take the risks needed to make things right. What does it say is a person’s duty (obligation) when faced with ongoing abuse? _