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| The following instructional task models how to measure both reading to be informed and
the social studies Political Systems indicator "determine the importance of historical documents such as the ... Declaration of Independence ..." The Political Systems indicator
and the reading stance being measured are identified in parenthesis after each activity. For a review of the four reading stances refer to _______________.
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Directions: Read " Complaints of the Declaration " and " Arguments of the Declaration " and then complete Activities 1 through 5.
- Based on information from these two readings, explain why the Declaration of Independence was an important document. (Social Studies: determine the importance of historical documents such as the Declaration of Independence...; Reading: global stance)
- In your own words, identify in the box below the major complaints that the colonists had against the King of England. (Social Studies: determine the importance of historical documents such as the ... Declaration of Independence...; Reading: developing interpretation stance)
| Major Complaints Against the King |
- Reread the list of complaints you identified above in Activity 2. Based upon what you know about colonial times, explain which of these complaints you think was most important. (Social Studies: determine the importance of historical documents such as the ... Declaration of Independence ...; Reading: personal stance)
- Based on what you have read, create a sequence chain using the phrases in the box below. Each phrase is used one time. (Social Studies: determine the importance of historical documents such as the ... Declaration of Independence...; Reading: developing interpretation stance)
- Colonists have the right to change the government.
- King agrees to protect colonists' rights.
- Colonists can set up their own government.
- King tries to take away colonists rights.
- Colonists agree to obey the King's rules.
- King breaks agreement with colonists.
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- Circle the number on the rating scale below that best describes how useful you think these two readings were in helping you learn about the Declaration of Independence. Then explain why you selected that rating. (Social Studies: determine the importance of historical documents such as the ... Declaration of Independence...; Reading: personal stance, critical stance)
Explanation:
When you read the Declaration, you will find a long list of complaints against King George III. The Founders wanted to tell everyone how the King and the British government had threatened their rights. They wanted to defend their revolt against Great Britain. Here is a list of some of the Founders' complaints against the King. They complained that the King had
- refused to approve laws made by the colonists
- kept armies in the colonies when there was no war
- stopped the colonists' trade with other countries
- taxed the colonists without their consent
- taken away the colonists' right to a trial by jury.
The Declaration explains why the Founders thought they had the right to free themselves from British rule. Here are three of the most important reasons.
- Government is based upon consent. The Founders argued that the colonists had an agreement with the King. They had consented to be governed by him only as long as he protected their natural rights.
- The right to change the government. The Founders said that if a government takes away people's natural rights, the people can change or do away with the government and form a new one.
- The King had broken the agreement. The Founders said the King had tried to take away the people's rights. He had broken his agreement with the colonists. Therefore, they did not have to continue to be governed by him. They were free to set up their own government.
Taken from Center for Civic Education's We the People, pp.38-9.
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