Description of lesson/activity
1. use knowledge of the Constitution and the new nation to assess the success of meeting the goals stated in the Declaration of Independence.
2. read a primary resource and underline main ideas.
3. gather evidence and write an essay describing the extent to which the goals of the Declaration of Independence were met.
1. As a concluding activity for Unit 4, students will assess the successes and failures of the nation in meeting the goals stated in the Declaration of Independence. The basis of their critique will be the words of the Revolutionaries as found in the Declaration of Independence.
2. The teacher should distribute the accompanying "Did the new nation meet the goals of the Declaration of Independence? Student Worksheet." Working in groups, students should discuss what the main ideas of the passage are. When they agree on a main idea, they should underline it. A class discussion of main ideas may help complete Part A.
3. Students should also discuss possible answers to Part B in groups. See the accompanying "Did the new nation meet the goals of the Declaration of Independence? Suggested Answers." Teachers should not provide the answers for students, but instead remind them to review Question/Problems 1-6.
4. Read the essay assignment (Part C) to the students and ensure that they understand the question. Also provide them with the accompanying "Did the new nation meet the goals of the Declaration of Independence: Assessment Criteria." Teachers should evaluate each student's work individually using these criteria.
Resource 1: Goals of the Declaration of Independence: Student Worksheet
Resource 2: Goals of the Declaration of Independence: Suggested Answers
Resource 3: Goals of the Declaration of Independence: Assessment Criteria