Who wrote the Declaration of Independence and does it really matter?
• Before showing your students the Jefferson desk, ask them who wrote the Declaration of Independence. It’s highly likely that most will say Thomas Jefferson. • Watch the introductory movie together as a class [http://www.objectofhistory.org/objects/intro/desk/]. Discuss the information presented in the film about Thomas Jefferson and the significance of the desk. • Explain that while Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration he actually worked with a committee of five delegates to refine the document that was finally presented to the Continental Congress. Additionally, explain that rather than presenting completely original ideas, Jefferson drew on well know ideas about government and individual rights. • Discuss the basic story of the Jefferson desk and the writing of the Declaration of Independence. • Instruct students to read the correspondence between Thomas Jefferson and James Madison that addresses political accusations that the ideas presented in the Declaration were n
