Analysis of the Declaration of Independence
What was Jefferson’s stated reason for writing the Declaration?
The purpose is to explain why it was necessary for the US to dissolve its political ties and become a separate nation.
According to Jefferson, what is a people’s duty when their government is abusive?
It is their duty to overthrow the government and establish safeguards to prevent future abuses.
Why does Jefferson begin with human rights before discussing specific grievances?
Jefferson is setting the stage to contrast the rights the colonists claim with the King’s behavior.
What does Jefferson mean by saying people don’t change governments for “light reasons”?
People do not decide to change governments because of minor irritations.
According to Jefferson, what has been the King’s attitude toward the laws of the colonies?
The King has been contemptuous of the colonists’ efforts to establish their own laws.
Why is that attitude an important factor in the decision to declare independence?
Because the King has ignored the colonists’ efforts to make their own laws, they felt compelled to declare independence.
Why might people be more inclined to endure a less than satisfactory government rather than change it?
People may be unwilling to face the upheaval and bloodshed that can accompany a change in government.
Why isn’t the risk of war with Britain more prominent in the document?
The document’s purpose is to explain why the colonies felt they had no other choice but to declare independence.
Vocabulary
- Unalienable: Impossible to take away or give up
- Constrains: Requires or forces
- Tyranny: Oppressive power
- Assent: Approval or agreement
- Usurpations: Unlawful or violent seizures of power or possessions
- Quartering: Housing
- Acquiesce: Accept something reluctantly but without protest
- Rectitude: Morally correct behavior or thinking; uprightness
- Consanguinity: Blood relationship
What appeal to emotion does Jefferson use in paragraph 1?
Jefferson primarily uses logos, appealing to ethics and logic. He argues that these changes are necessary and can happen in unity with the people of the colonies. He appeals to logos by using ethics related to both religion and logic by the technical separation of state.
(a) Which type of appeal is represented by Jefferson’s organized list of grievances? (b) How does the evidence he provides add to his argument?
(a) Both logos and ethos appeal to logic and authority. (b) The evidence provides the foundation for the appeal to the people and audience of the Declaration. This demonstrates the legitimacy of Jefferson’s argument and the urgency of change after so much evidence of suffering.
How does the Declaration reflect Jefferson’s faith in reason?
Jefferson’s faith in reason is the foundation for the appeal of the Declaration and its eventual acceptance into society and international affairs. Most of the document refers back to the reason and purpose of the Declaration, along with the evidence supporting the claims.
What new relationship between Great Britain and the US is announced in this document?
If the two countries can repair their relationship, peace may be restored, but if not, they will continue to engage in war as enemies.
Mark examples of appeal to emotion: How does the description of Great Britain and its King constitute charged language?
The entire first sentence and discussion about the suffering of people under an abusive government are examples. The language also adds to this, such as “repeated injuries”, “absolute tyranny”, “absolute despotism”, etc. These all add to the emotional appeal. (b) The descriptions of Great Britain and the colonies differ in their roles of who is inflicting pain and who is suffering. The description shows the colonies’ great suffering and the fault of Great Britain.