Primary Source Analysis Activity: The Declaration of Independence

Objective: To help students analyze and interpret the Declaration of Independence as a primary source document from the American Revolutionary period.

Guiding Questions: 1. What is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence? 2. Who is the intended audience of the document? 3. What are the main ideas and arguments presented in the Declaration of Independence? 4. How does the document reflect the political and social context of the American Revolutionary period? 5. What language and rhetorical devices are used in the Declaration of Independence to persuade the reader? 6. How does the Declaration of Independence reflect the Enlightenment ideas of natural rights and social contract theory? 7. What role did the Declaration of Independence play in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States? 8. How does the Declaration of Independence compare to other revolutionary documents from this time period? 9. What impact did the Declaration of Independence have on the development of democracy and human rights in the United States and around the world? 10. How does the Declaration of Independence continue to influence American society and politics today?

Instructions: 1. Read the Declaration of Independence carefully, paying attention to the language, arguments, and historical context. 2. Answer the guiding questions in writing, using evidence from the document to support your analysis. 3. Discuss your answers with a partner or in a small group, comparing interpretations and insights. 4. Share your findings with the class, highlighting key points and discussing the significance of the Declaration of Independence in American history.