This week we will begin talking about what it means to be an American and the concepts that our government is built upon.

Vocabulary(to be glued in folder):

constitution – document that outlines the fundamental principles and structures of a government

unalienable rights – basic rights people are born with, also called natural rights

preamble – an introductory part of a document

amendments – additions made to a document

pledge – a promise

allegiance – loyalty

primary source – first-hand accounts of an event created by eyewitnesses or first recorders at the time of the event

secondary source –  accounts of events created at a later date and by someone who was not present at the event

point of view – an opinion or perspective presented by the author of a document, influenced by the author’s personal circumstances

historical context – the circumstances of the time in which an event occurred or in which an author lived that may have influenced his/her point of view

 

Vocabulary to be written:

Declaration–the formal announcement of the beginning of a state or condition.

Independence-freedom from the control, influence, support, aid of others.

Periodization-Dividing a period of time into shorter periods.