Primary Source Analysis Worksheet: The Declaration of Independence

Primary Source Analysis: The Declaration of Independence

Read the excerpts from the Declaration of Independence carefully and answer the questions that follow. Use your knowledge of historical context and critical thinking skills to analyze the primary source.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

1. According to the first sentence, what is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

2. The authors believe they are entitled to a "separate and equal station" by the Laws of   and of  .

3. The Declaration states that a 'decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires' the colonists to explain their reasons for separation.

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.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed,—That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

4. Which of the following is NOT listed as an unalienable right?

5. According to the Declaration, where do governments derive their 'just powers'?

6. Match the key concept from the Declaration with its meaning.

7. In your own words, explain the concept of 'popular sovereignty' as it is presented in the Declaration of Independence. How does this concept challenge the traditional idea of monarchy?