American Sphinx | Topics for Discussion & Projects

American Sphinx Topics for Discussion

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most admired pieces of writing in the world, yet Jefferson produced it in just a few days. Why do you think he was able to accomplish so much so quickly?

What are some of the changes that members of the Continental Congress made in the Declaration of Independence?

What was Jefferson's reaction to the changes the Continental Congress made in his writing? Was Jefferson's response unusual for writers?

How would you explain Jefferson's belief that slavery was immoral and his ownership of hundreds of slaves?

The Founding Fathers clearly never meant for women or black people to have the privileges of citizenship. Do you think they were right or wrong, and why?

Jefferson believed that the least federal government was the best federal government. Do you agree? Discuss what responsibilities the federal government should and should not have.

Jefferson believed that men...
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