The American Vision: Modern Times © 2008

"Drafting the Declaration"

Introduction
Among his many accomplishments, Thomas Jefferson was extraordinarily proud of his prominent role in writing the Declaration of Independence. Though he accepted the assignment with reluctance, Jefferson set to the task with great passion and ended up producing the defining instrument of the American Revolution. The Library of Congress has an online exhibit that traces the process by which this remarkable document was crafted. At the exhibit site you'll learn more about the people, documents, and writings that influenced Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence.

Destination Title: Thomas Jefferson

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Directions
Start at the Thomas Jefferson Web site.

• Click on the Declaration of Independence topic. When you have read through the information, return to the "Home" page by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page. Then click on the Legacy topic to view the information on that page.
• Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.

1			Who was on the committee assigned to draft the Declaration of Independence?
2			What legal documents and literary works influenced Jefferson's draft?
3			Who edited the drafts of the Declaration?
4			What was Jefferson's objective when he drafted the document, and how did he hope it would impact other nations?
5			Thomas Jefferson used several sources to compose the Declaration of Independence. On a separate sheet of paper, use words, drawings, and magazine cutouts to create a collage that expresses your personal ideas of freedom. Be sure to illustrate the freedoms that are most important to you, and indicate the works of literature, music, or art that influenced your composition.