The Declaration's Theory of Government
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"The Declaration's Theory of Government" is written for 8th Grade (Ages 13-14), and it covers C3 Framework D2.Civ.8.6-8. A 7th grader who is already steady on Declaration and Founding Documents can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
3 pages in this set
8th grade social studies worksheet: read the Declaration's second paragraph and explain consent of the governed. Answer key included. Part of our founding documents collection. Aligned to C3 Framework standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Start with the Declaration, then the Enlightenment matching. Use the Confederation sheets and the Northwest Ordinance before moving on to the Constitution.
What students will practice
- Students will read the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence.
- Students will explain why governments are created and where they get their just powers.
- Students will explain when the Declaration says people may alter or abolish a government.
Curriculum Links
C3 Framework for Social Studies State Standards
Social Studies · 8th Grade
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Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this founding documents worksheet?
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Start with the Declaration, then the Enlightenment matching. Use the Confederation sheets and the Northwest Ordinance before moving on to the Constitution.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Read the Declaration's second paragraph and explain consent of the governed. The directions on the page read: Read the Declaration's second paragraph. Then answer 1 in a full sentence. An answer key is included.
Can I use this founding documents worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade Declaration and Founding Documents, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
What does consent of the governed mean?
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It means a government gets its just powers from the people it governs. The Declaration's second paragraph uses it to explain why people may alter or abolish a government that destroys their rights.
How were the Articles and the Constitution different?
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Under the Articles each state had one vote and the states laid and levied the taxes. The Constitution gave Congress the power to lay and collect taxes and set up one supreme Court.
What did Montesquieu say about power?
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He wrote that when the legislative and executive powers are united in the same person or body, there can be no liberty. The matching sheet links this to the separate branches in the Constitution.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 8th Grade |
| Subject | Social Studies |
| Topic | Declaration and Founding Documents |
| Standard | D2.Civ.8.6-8 |
| Pages | 3 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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