1. Given that the war had been going on for the better part of a year before the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence, what do you think was Jefferson’s purpose for writing the Declaration of Independence? 2. Who is Jefferson’s audience? How do you know? Cite specific passages from the Declaration, and be prepared to explain how your cited evidence proves your claim. 3. What is missing (if anything) from the document? What topics are you surprised that Jefferson doesn’t cover? 4. Do you feel that Jefferson contradicts himself in the Declaration? Where? Explain.