John Hancock's Resolutions to George Washington From the Library of Congress' website: "Among the resolutions passed by the Continental Congress on 4 July 1776 was one which called for the president of the Congress, John Hancock (1737-1793), to send to several commanding officers of the Continental army copies of the Declaration of Independence, which had just been adopted by Congress and printed by John Dunlap (1747-1812). Hancock sent this copy of the resolutions together with the "Dunlap
Broadside" of the Declaration to Gen. George Washington (1732-1799) on 6 July. Washington had the Declaration read to his assembled troops in New York on 9 July. Later that night, the Americans destroyed a bronze and lead statue of King George III (1738-1820), which stood at the foot of Broadway on the Bowling Green." This document is the copy of the resolutions Hancock sent to General Washington. 1. This document can best be described as a. A. list of resolutions B. directive C. law D. letter 2. This document was created in. A. 1782 B. 1776 C. 1799 D. 1976 3. Who was the president of the Continental Congress? A. John Dunlap B. John Hancock C. King George III D. George Washington 4. On what date did George Washington have the Declaration of Independence read to his troops? A. July 9, 1776 B. July 4, 1777 C. July 4, 1775 D. July 4, 1776 5. How would you best describe this document? 6. When did John Hancock send this document to George Washington? 7. When did the Americans destroy the bronze and lead statue of King George III?
8. Who printed the Declaration of Independence? 9. Why do you think that John Hancock wanted the Declaration of Independence read to the Continental army?
10. Choose one of the historical figures mentioned in this document. Explain that person's significance to the Revolutionary War in particular, and to American history in general.
Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 (16 U.S.C. 668-668d, 54 Stat. 250) as amended -- Approved June 8, 1940, and amended by P.L 86-70 (73 Stat. 143) June 25, 1959; P.L. 87-884 (76 Stat. 1346) October 24, 1962; P.L. 92-535 (86 Stat. 1064) October 23, 1972; and P.L. 95-616 (92 Stat. 3114) November 8, 1978. This law provides for the protection of the bald eagle (the national emblem) and the golden eagle by prohibiting, except under certain specified conditions, the taking, possession and commerce of such birds. The 1972 amendments increased penalties for violating provisions of the Act or regulations issued pursuant thereto and strengthened other enforcement measures. Rewards are provided for information leading to arrest and conviction for violation of the Act. The 1978 amendment authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to permit the taking of golden eagle nests that interfere with resource development or recovery operations. (See also the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act.) A 1994 Memorandum (59 F.R. 22953, April 29, 1994) from President William J. Clinton to the heads of Executive Agencies and Departments sets out the policy concerning collection and distribution of eagle feathers for Native American religious purposes. 1. This document can best be described as a(n). A. editorial B. surmise C. piece of legislation D. diary entry 2. This document was created in. A. 1949 B. 1994 C. 1990 D. 1940 3. This document concerns what animal? A. the bald eagle B. the spotted leopard C. the golden eagle D. both A&C are correct 4. Which date is not mentioned in this document? A. 1940 B. 1959 C. 1963 D. 1972
5. What does this document forbid? 6. What is the purpose of the 1978 amendment to this document? 7. What special group is mentioned in this document? 8. Is any president mentioned by name in this document? If so, who? 9. This document contains multiple dates and multiple citations. Why do you suppose such is the case? What about this document makes it necessary for it to be revisited over time?
10. Why is the bald eagle protected, by name, in this document? What is special about this particular bird? Is this bird deserving of special protection? Explain your answer.
The Great Seal of the United States, 1782 This document depicts the original design of the Great Seal of the United States, as created in 1782. The design was introduced by Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress. He told the members of the Congress, "The colors of the pales are those used in the flag of the United States of America; [sic] White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness and valour, [sic] and Blue, the color of the Chief signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice." The Congress approved the Seal on June 20th, 1782.
1. This document can best be described as a. A. newspaper article B. painting C. document D. sketch 2. This document was created in. A. 1976 B. 1776 C. 1982 D. 1782 3. This document was introduced by. A. Charles Thompson B. the Secretary of the Continental Congress C. the Secretary of State D. both A&B are correct 4. The primary colors in this document are. A. black and white B. red, white, and gray C. red, white, and blue D. red, white, and green 5. According to the document, for what does the color red stand? 6. What is the best name for this document? 7. On what date was this document approved, and by what body? 8. According to the document, for what does the color white stand?
9. Why do you think it was important for the nascent United States to have a seal? Do other countries have seals? What do they represent? Is the idea of a seal an outdated one? Explain your answer.
10. The motto on the United States Seal, "e pluribus unum" is Latin for "out of many, one." What do you think this motto means? Do you think that it is still an apt motto today? Explain your answer.