Use this section to explore resources about the influence of the Enlightenment, documents that influenced the colonists, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation. Click on the links to each of the module pages below to explore that module's content.
Let's Learn About The Enlightenment:
SS.7.C.1.1: Recognize how Enlightenment ideas including Montesquieu’s view of separation of powers and John Locke’s theories related to natural law and how Locke’s social contract influenced the Founding Fathers.
Let's Learn About Influential Documents
SS.7.C.1.2: Trace the impact that the Magna Carta, English Bill of Rights, Mayflower Compact, and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonists’ views of government.
Let's Learn About The Road to Independence:
SS.7.C.1.3: Describe how English policies and responses to colonial concerns led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
Let's Learn About the Declaration of Independence:
SS.7.C.1.4: Analyze the ideas (natural rights, role of the government) and complaints set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
Let's Learn About the Articles of Confederation:
SS.7.C.1.5: Identify how the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation led to the writing of the Constitution.