AP Lang Declaration of Independence
acquiesce(v)
Accept something reluctantly but without protest
What appeal to emotion does Jefferson use in paragraph 1?
His reference to the divine, "... of nature's God entitle them..."
Which kind of appeal is represented by Jefferson's organized list of grievances?
An appeal to logos because he is demonstrating his reasons as to why the king is unfit and why the colonists don't consider themselves free. It is abuses vs rights.
assent(n)
Approval or agreement
unalienable(adj)
Impossible to take away or give up
In the Declaration, how did Jefferson structure his sentences?
It was highly structured and formal because his audience was the government.
What does Jefferson state directly as the reason this declaration had to be written?
Jefferson states that the reason this declaration had to be written was ro proclaim the colonists's independence. He states that all men are created equal, are given the same rights in life, and just powers should be from the consent of the governed.
tyranny(n)
Oppressive power
rectitude(n)
morally correct behavior or thinking; uprightness
The signers of the Declaration knew that their announcement could mean war with powerful, well-equipped Britain. Why isn't that idea more prominent in the document?
Because of all the reasons they have stated, they have no choice but to declare war. Logos are utilized.
Why might people be more inclined to put up with a government that is less than satisfactory rather than change it?
Extensive problems would be avoided. As long as what the people are asking for is satisfied, any further issues do not need to become involved.
According to Jefferson, what has been the king's attitude toward the laws of the colonies?
He has been contemptuous; he has ignored colonists' efforts to make their own laws. He is also callous in that he reveals no concern for the colonists.
How does the evidence he provides add to his argument?
He is being rational and logical. He is reasonable and is using clear evidence.
Why does Jefferson begin with points about human rights before discussing the colonists' specific grievances?
He wanted to clarify that all men are created equal and they should not have to be under the control of the king. They wrote the Declaration to claim their independence, that is why they started with this. +contrast rights of colonists to king+
How did the colonists argue for their independence?
In the Declaration of Independence, they included their grievances against the British king by stating how he forbidden the colonists of laws, placed troops, imposed restrictions against them, provided no protection.
Why is that attitude from the king an important factor in the decision to declare independence?
It galvanizes the colonies to feel even more resentment towards the king and strive to gain their independence. His attitude reveals how he is unfit to be a king.
Jefferson wrote this document during the Age of Reason, an are characterized by logic and scientific methodology. How does the Declaration reflect Jefferson's faith in reason?
Logical thinking was highly valued during that time.
constrains(v)
Requires or forces
What does Jefferson mean by saying that people do not change governments for "light reasons"?
The government is not completely altered because of silly reasons. The reasons have to be direct and serve the purpose of the majority and not just the king,
According to Jefferson, what is a people's duty when their government is abusive?
The people's duty are to stand up and alter or abolish the government. They have to form a new government that applies to their own society and content.
How does the description of Great Britain and its king constitute charged language?
The words are stated strongly and have this powerful connotation. Specific words are repeated injuries, usurpations, constrains, and tyranny.
What new relationship between Great Britain and the United States is announced in this document?
They are completely separated and no longer in compliance with one another.
