2.05A AP English Declaration Questions
1. In the first paragraph of the declaration, Jefferson states the reason for the writing of this document. What reason does he give?
a. He says “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” He was saying that it is morally right to explain why they were separating from the crown.
2. Where does a government acquire its power, according to the declaration?
a. The government gets its power from the people of the Unites States of America.
3. What are the "unalienable rights" that Jefferson states?
a. Jefferson states that the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable.
4. Who or what does Jefferson hold accountable for most of the problems the colonies are suffering through?
a. Jefferson blames the King, and English rule for most of the problems the colonies are suffering through.
5. What tone does the final statement of the Declaration of Independence display?
a. I'd say defiant, righteous, and a trifle pugnacious. Sincere and idealistic are other words that come to mind.
6. Is this tone effective in conveying the importance of this document? Why or why not?
a. I believe so. I think that the eloquent language also used helps convey the document’s importance.
7. Find and write the dictionary meaning for the word "self-evident." Jefferson mentions four truths, which he says are "self-evident." Name these and argue for or against the notion that they are indeed "self-evident."
a.
8. Find and write the meaning to the phrase "absolute despotism." Jefferson says it is the "right and duty" of mankind to fight this "absolute despotism." Why?
a. Despotism is a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. That entity may be an individual, as in an autocracy, or it may be a group, as in an oligarchy. The word despotism means to "rule in the fashion of a despot" and does not necessarily require a singular "despot", an
a. He says “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.” He was saying that it is morally right to explain why they were separating from the crown.
2. Where does a government acquire its power, according to the declaration?
a. The government gets its power from the people of the Unites States of America.
3. What are the "unalienable rights" that Jefferson states?
a. Jefferson states that the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable.
4. Who or what does Jefferson hold accountable for most of the problems the colonies are suffering through?
a. Jefferson blames the King, and English rule for most of the problems the colonies are suffering through.
5. What tone does the final statement of the Declaration of Independence display?
a. I'd say defiant, righteous, and a trifle pugnacious. Sincere and idealistic are other words that come to mind.
6. Is this tone effective in conveying the importance of this document? Why or why not?
a. I believe so. I think that the eloquent language also used helps convey the document’s importance.
7. Find and write the dictionary meaning for the word "self-evident." Jefferson mentions four truths, which he says are "self-evident." Name these and argue for or against the notion that they are indeed "self-evident."
a.
8. Find and write the meaning to the phrase "absolute despotism." Jefferson says it is the "right and duty" of mankind to fight this "absolute despotism." Why?
a. Despotism is a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. That entity may be an individual, as in an autocracy, or it may be a group, as in an oligarchy. The word despotism means to "rule in the fashion of a despot" and does not necessarily require a singular "despot", an