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Closely examine the following highlighted excerpts from the Declaration of Independence. After carefully analyzing the document, respond to the questions below. Click the magnifying glass to take a closer look at the document as you respond to the questions.

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  • Who was the intended audience(s) of the Declaration of Independence? Why?
  • Who was accused of crimes?
  • What was the purpose of government, according to the Continental Congress?
  • How is our national identity reflected in the Declaration of Independence?
  • Which ideas and events seem to have influenced the Declaration of Independence?
public-domain
To the extent possible under law, National Archives Foundation has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “Excerpts from the Declaration of Independence”