Declaration of Independence and US Constitution

Every American History student should take the time and effort to understand the two fundamental documents of our Republic.
The Declaration of Independence creates the origin of the "American Creed" or the American Identity.
The U.S. Constitution provides the structure that our government allegedly uses to support this idea.
Our course will investigate the question of the American Identity. And investigate through analysis and interpretation of primary source documents fundamental questions such as:
Have we lived up to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence?
Do we have too?
How do balance the individual liberties with social order, economic stability, and equality before the law? Why do different people, groups, and leaders value one ideal over another, sacrificing rights in some cases.
Do we have the opportunity to pursue and does our society allow each citizen, their "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness"? (so eloquently stated in the Declaration.)
Several sites have versions available for download, probably the most accessible one is the National Archives site listed here:
http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/
I urge you to print copies of each document for your reference throughout the year. Read them, analyze and interpret them, make notes, and comments. Also it wouldn't hurt to read aloud or listen to the Declaration of Independence. Several sites have video readings of the Declaration, including this version, which is excellent.
Watch closely, Winona Ryder tries to swipe a copy.* (*That's a joke)

Welcome

Welcome the home page of Mr. Wyder's AP US History Courses, and American History IB Course for the 2008-09 School Year. Here you will find some discussion topics, reading assignments, homework assignments, and links to documents and other websites related to the course content.