Across the country, Americans are planning unique and exciting ways to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. America250 has compiled upcoming milestones and opportunities to get engaged and ensure that all Americans can find ways to commemorate this historic moment in our nation’s history. The Declaration goes on to explain that when a government does not protect the rights of its citizens it loses its right to govern. The Declaration lists specific reasons for breaking from Britain. Learn about the Declaration of Independence in this video for kids! You will see why the Declaration of Independence was such a special document! Gain instant access to this beautifully designed Unit on the Declaration of Independence, where kids will learn all about Colonial America, the Fight for Freedom, Rights and Freedoms in the Declaration, and more. Eight people who signed the Declaration of Independence were born in the United Kingdom. Most members of the Second Continental Congress were born in America, but eight of the men who voted for independence from Britain were actually born in the United Kingdom. One signer of the Declaration of Independence later recanted. What Does the Declaration Say? In the Declaration, Jefferson first wrote about people's rights. He explained what a government should and should not do. This part is called the Preamble. Then, he listed specific bad things the British government had done to the colonies. In this activity, explore the Declaration of Independence by having your child pretend to be a member of the group that signed it. This is a great activity to help kids start to identify the personal and collective values in our nation and can be the start of an important, life-long discussion. Introduction Many countries celebrate the day that they became independent. In the United States that day is the Fourth of July, which is also called Independence Day. Independence Day marks the birth of the United States as a new country. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Looking for some Declaration of Independence facts for kids? Check out this page to learn more about the revolutionary document that formed the United States. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress of the British colonies in North America adopted the declaration at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The document proclaimed that the 13 original colonies of America were “free and independent states.” Discover the fascinating history behind America’s birthday with these engaging facts about 4th of July. Independence Day is more than just fireworks and barbecues—it’s a celebration steeped in revolutionary history, patriotic traditions, and surprising stories that shaped the United States. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence to modern-day festivities, the 4th of July The Declaration of Independence was a brave act of freedom by American colonists fighting a war against Great Britain. This easy-to-understand article gives you the before, during, and after. The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States. It was approved by Congress on July 4, 1776, and it tells the people that they are free from British rule. The Declaration of Independence was first signed by the President of the Continental Congress, John Hancock. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and 52 others also signed. Read our article a Kid’s Guide to the Declaration of Independence. Resources for elementary school and general learning. The Declaration of Independence “ We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That w 4th of July Facts: Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, marks the 1776 Declaration of Independence. Enjoy fireworks, parades, and family gatherings! The Declaration of Independence is a document written in 1776 that announced to the world that the residents of the British colonies in America chose to no longer be ruled by the British government. Rather, they were creating a new country called the United States of America. Learn all about the Declaration of Independence with the resources below. What are the five key ideas in the preamble and what are some of the sources for the ideas and language? Where does Jefferson believe that governments derive their power to govern? What does Jefferson indicate are the rights of the people when government becomes “destructive of the ends” for which it was created?
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