DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCESS8H3a

DID YOU KNOW? • The Declaration of Independence WASN’T actually signed on July 4, 1776.

It was ADOPTED on that date and officially SIGNED on August 2, 1776.

• John Hancock was the 1st to sign. His signature was the largest because he was the leader of the Continental Congress and he wanted King George to be sure to see his signature.

• If the signers of the Declaration of Independence had been captured by the British, they would have been hanged for treason.

• There wee 5 men appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman & Robert Livingston, but Jefferson was the main author.

• Jefferson was inspired by English scholar, John Locke, and his ideas of Enlightenment. Locke said the it was the governments job to protect its people and their natural, unalienable (cannot be separated, surrendered or taken away) rights. Locke stated that ALL men are created equal and are born with life, liberty & property. If the government interferes with these rights, the people have the right to overthrow the government. He believed that government should run on a CHECKS & BALANCES system which limited government power.

• The Declaration of Independence was written because the Continental Congress wanted to explain why the colonies were revolting against England and to officially declare their independence.

• There are 3 parts of the declaration• Preamble: Explains natural rights of all people, states reasons for document• Part 2: List of grievances against King George

• British soldiers in the colonies • Quartering Act• Not punishing soldiers when they harm colonists• Cutting off trade with the rest of the world• Taxing colonists without representation

• Part 3: Actual declaration of independence from England