The Declaration of Independence
Lesson Plan
Preamble
"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."
- What are the five key ideas in the preamble and what are some of the sources for the ideas and language?
- Where does Jefferson believe that governments derive their power to govern?
- What does Jefferson indicate are the rights of the people when government becomes “destructive of the ends” for which it was created?
What is truly meant by truths that are self-evident? Who is the "we" that is written about?
The Preamble describes the new philosophy of government that Jefferson and the other Founders proposed. It also justifies the "necessity" of a revolution. In this section of the document, the ideas in John Locke's Second Treatise of Government are described in a short, simple statement.
The Preamble consists of five propositions. Each reflects a common belief that had become prominent among at this time:
- All men are created equal
- They are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights
- Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
- Governments are instituted among men to secure these rights
- Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it. But that long-established governments should not be changed "for light and transient causes"
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