Preamble to the Declaration of Independence

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on analyzing sections of the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence, one of the seminal U.S. documents. Presented with two excerpts from the Preamble, students are tasked with understanding and reflecting upon the foundational principles expressed therein. The first excerpt emphasizes the self-evident truth that all individuals possess certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The second section articulates the role and purpose of governments, emphasizing their origin from the consent of the governed and the right of the people to alter or abolish any government that becomes destructive to these ends.

The purpose of this worksheet is to cultivate students’ critical thinking skills by engaging them with foundational U.S. political philosophies. By questioning the main idea of each passage and probing the intent behind the authors’ words, students are encouraged to delve deeper into the text and extract its underlying principles. The worksheet aims to provide learners with a more profound understanding of the reasons and philosophies that drove the American colonies to declare independence from Britain. Additionally, it underscores the importance of reflecting upon and understanding historical documents to better appreciate their impact and significance in shaping the nation’s values and ideals.