Primary Source Analysis: Declaration of Independence

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence to explain the reasons the Thirteen Colonies were separating from Great Britain. Give middle school learners an opportunity to dig into the original text of this historical document with this two-page social studies worksheet. Students are invited to read short excerpts from the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence, answering comprehension and analysis questions after each section.

This engaging exercise is a great way to provide guided exploration of key parts of this important primary-source document, while helping students understand the historical significance of the text. Teachers may wish to use this worksheet to start a discussion about what the right to the pursuit of happiness means, have a discussion around Jefferson’s use of the phrase “all men are created equal” and which groups were excluded from that statement, or follow up with a discussion of which British actions were “a history of repeated injuries” and how they violated the “unalienable rights” Jefferson identifies.

For more practice examining primary sources, don't miss the Primary Source Analysis: Lincoln's Gettysburg Address worksheet next!