Primary Source Activity: The Declaration Then and Now 
Handout B -The Declaration of Independence Paraphrased 
Introduction: Write each of the following phrases from the Declaration of Independence in your own 
words. 
When in the course of human events, 
it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them 
with another, 
and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station 
to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature.s God entitle them, 
a decent respect to the opinions of mankind 
requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. 
Using some of these phrases, rewrite the first sentence of the Declaration in your own words. 
Statement of the Purpose of Government: Write each of the following phrases from the Declaration of 
Independence in your own words. 
We hold these truths to be self-evident, 
that all men are created equal, 
that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, 
that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. 
--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, 
deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, 
--That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, 
it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, 
and to institute new Government, 
laying its foundations on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, 
as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. 
The Bill of Rights Institute . 200 North Glebe Road, Suite 1050 . Arlington, Virginia . 22203 
Phone: 703.894.1776 . Fax: 703.894.1791 

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light 
and transient causes; 
and accordingly all experience has shewn, 
that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves 
by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. 
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, 
pursuing invariably the same Object
evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism
it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government
and to provide new Guards for their future security. . .
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations,
all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States.
To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
Listing of Grievances (Complaints): Using your own words, make a list of some of the colonists. 
complaints against the King. Use your copy of the Declaration of Independence or locate a copy on-line at 
http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declaration.html Jefferson notes 
almost forty; you should list at least ten. 
Final Declaration and Pledge: Write each of these phrases from the Declaration of Independence in 
your own words. 
We. . .solemnly publish and declare that these United Colonies are and of Right ought to be Free 
and Independent States, 
that they are Absolved from any Allegiance to the British Crown,
and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be 
totally dissolved 
And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, 
we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. 
Source: .The Declaration of Independence: A Transcription.. The National Archives and Records Administration. 
http://www.archives.gov/exhibit_hall/charters_of_freedom/declaration/declaration_transcription.html 
The Bill of Rights Institute . 200 North Glebe Road, Suite 1050 . Arlington, Virginia . 22203 
Phone: 703.894.1776 . Fax: 703.894.1791