INSTRUCTIONS:
Copy and paste these questions into your response window and respond in a different color, please. Answer in complete sentences, and proofread for errors in comma usage (including comma splices!) 1. At the beginning of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson lays out the inalienable rights given all "men." These rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness lay the groundwork for many of the struggles in America from emancipation to women's suffrage. According to this introduction, what is the purpose of all government? Type your reply here 2. In the preamble, what phrase establishes the purpose and vision of this new government? 3. Choose one of the amendments from the Bill of Rights other than the first or second (everyone knows those). Explain how or when you have seen the application of one of those amendments in the news or your life. 4. Personal response: How do you reconcile with the memory of Thomas Jefferson and others? The greatness of their thinking not only built this nation, but their words also continue to help us fight for greater equity today (see the equal protection clause). But these were flawed men, many of whom owned slaves. Do we appreciate the work but condemn the men? Do we argue they were simply men of their time? Do we acknowledge the complexity of people as both good and bad, or is that too simplistic. Let me know what you think. First person is o.k. here.