To What extent has the United States lived up to the founding ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence?

Directions:

Construct an argumentative response (4-5 paragraph essay) to the essential question:

To What extent has the United States lived up to the founding ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence?

Use the format below to guide the structure of your essay.

Paragraph 1:
Introduction and thesis statement
(Basically answer the question, “Has the United States lived up to the Declaration of Independence?”)
3-4 Complete Sentences

Paragraph 2:
Historical context of the Declaration of Independence and a summary of its main points and principles
5-8 sentences.
What is the Dec of Independence? What are the main points within the document? Principles?

Paragraph 3
4-5 sentences
Defense of thesis using at least two specific historical examples.

Paragraph 4
4-5 sentences
Conclusion: restatement of thesis and summary of main points.