There are many 21st century tools available for creating and submitting your work in the online environment. For more information on the tools your school uses, contact your teacher or visit the Web 2.0 tools area of your course.

QUESTION

create your six-panel pamphlet.
There are many 21st century tools available for creating and submitting your work in the online environment. For more information on the tools your school uses, contact your teacher or visit the Web 2.0 tools area of your course.
The first panel should be the title panel. Include your name, date, instructor, and a title for the pamphlet.
On the second panel, write a one-paragraph overview of the Declaration of Independence. Be sure to describe its purpose and how the document is structured.
On panels three, four, and five, you will explain the principles of popular sovereignty, social contract, and natural and individual rights. Each panel should include a well-written paragraph that explains how the Declaration of Independence reflects a principle. Use at least one quote from the Declaration of Independence that illustrates the principle, for each of these panels (three quotes total). For example, if you chose to focus on the principle of popular sovereignty for panel three in your pamphlet, then that panel will include a quote from the Declaration of Independence that illustrates the principle of popular sovereignty and one well-written paragraph that explains how the Declaration of Independence reflects the principle of popular sovereignty.
On the final panel, write one paragraph to explain whether or not you think the Declaration of Independence upholds the political principles Americans value. To guide your evaluation, consider these questions. Does the Declaration of Independence reflect all the important principles you learned about in the lesson? Did the writers of the Declaration of Independence accomplish their goals? If you had been an American colonist, would you have supported the Declaration of Independence? Why or why not?

Panels Guide

Title panel—Your Name, Date, Instructor, and Title. Include a catchy title to grab the reader’s attention.
Use this panel to provide a paragraph overview of the purpose and structure of the Declaration of Independence.
Use this panel to describe connections between the Declaration of Independence and the first principle, popular sovereignty. Be sure to include a quote from the Declaration of Independence.
Use this panel to describe connections between the Declaration of Independence and the second principle, social contract. Be sure to include a quote from the Declaration of Independence.
Use this panel to describe connections between the Declaration of Independence and the third principle, natural and individual rights. Be sure to include a quote from the Declaration of Independence.
Use this panel to write one paragraph to explain whether or not you think the Declaration of Independence upholds the political principles Americans value. Would you have supported the Declaration of Independence? Why or why not?

ANSWER

The Declaration of Independence: Unveiling the Principles of Freedom

Panel 1: Title Panel

Name: [Your Name]

Date: [Date]

Instructor: [Instructor’s Name]

The Declaration of Independence: Unveiling the Principles of Freedom

Panel 2: Overview of the Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, is a pivotal document in American history. It served as a formal announcement of the American colonies’ separation from Great Britain and laid the foundation for the establishment of a new nation. The document begins with a powerful preamble that proclaims the universal rights of individuals and explains the purpose and grievances that led to the colonies’ desire for independence. Structurally, the Declaration consists of an introduction, a list of grievances against the British Crown, and a concluding assertion of independence.

Panel 3: Popular Sovereignty – The Voice of the People

“The ultimate power resides in the hands of the people.” – Declaration of Independence

The principle of popular sovereignty is prominently reflected in the Declaration of Independence. It acknowledges that the authority to govern should stem from the consent of the governed. The document emphasizes that governments derive their just powers from the people they represent, and when a government becomes destructive of their rights, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it. The Declaration empowers the people to exercise their voice and participate actively in the decision-making processes that shape their lives.

Panel 4: Social Contract – A Covenant of Mutual Obligation

“Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” – Declaration of Independence

The principle of social contract is intricately woven into the fabric of the Declaration of Independence. It emphasizes the mutual obligations between the government and its citizens. According to the document, governments exist to secure the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. In return, the people commit to supporting and respecting the established government, as long as it upholds its end of the social contract. This principle signifies the interdependent relationship between the government and the governed.

Panel 5: Natural and Individual Rights – Inherent and Unalienable

“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.” – Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence enshrines the principle of natural and individual rights. It declares that all individuals are born equal and possess fundamental rights that cannot be taken away. These rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, are inherent and bestowed upon individuals by their Creator. The Declaration emphasizes that the purpose of government is to safeguard these rights and that any infringement on them justifies the people’s right to alter or abolish the government.

Panel 6: Upholding the Principles of Freedom

The Declaration of Independence serves as a cornerstone of American political principles, articulating the ideals of popular sovereignty, social contract, and natural and individual rights. Its enduring significance lies in its embodiment of the democratic values that Americans hold dear. The document reflects the importance of citizen participation, the need for accountable governance, and the protection of individual liberties. Considering the impact and revolutionary spirit of the Declaration, I would have supported it as an American colonist, as it symbolizes the pursuit of freedom and justice for all.

In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence, with its purposeful structure and timeless principles, continues to inspire generations. It remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who sought liberty and self-determination. By understanding its principles and their resonance in our lives, we can honor the vision of the Founding Fathers and strive to uphold the political principles that have shaped America’s identity.