1.3.6 Practice: Examining the Founding Principles
Practice Assignment
U.S. Government and Politics (S3855101)
Anayeli Cancino
Points possible: 20
Date: ____________
For this assignment, you will read excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation and examine the principles that inspired their development. To complete the assignment, follow these steps:
Reflect: Read and summarize excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.
Analyze: Answer questions about how major principles from the Enlightenment and other historical developments shaped both documents.
To get the best grade possible, follow the instructions in the assignment closely and answer all of the questions completely. This assignment is worth 20 points.
Read selections from the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation and briefly summarize them in your own words in the spaces that follow. This section is worth 5 points.
1. 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.—That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.1
Summary (2 points)
2. The Articles of Confederation:
Article II. Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled.
Article III. The said states hereby severally enter into a firm league of friendship with each other, for their common defence, the security of their Liberties, and their mutual and general welfare, binding themselves to assist each other, against all force offered to, or attacks made upon them, or any of them, on account of religion, sovereignty, trade, or any other pretence whatever. . . .
The united states, in congress assembled, shall never engage in a war . . . nor enter into any treaties or alliances, nor coin money . . . nor borrow money on the credit of the united states, nor appropriate money, nor agree upon the number of vessels of war to be built or purchased, or the number of land or sea forces to be raised, nor appoint a commander in chief of the army or navy, unless nine states assent (approve) to the same, nor shall a question on any other point, except for adjourning from day to day, be determined, unless by the votes of a majority of the united states in congress assembled.2
Summary (provide a separate summary of each section) (3 points)
