We’re asking teachers to tell us their favorite Civics 101 episodes from the past, and today 8th grade Social Studies educator extrordinaire Andrew Swan introduces the Declaration of Independence. A breakup letter, a radical document, an ordinance of secession, a masterclass in political philosophy, whatever you think of it, it is how our nation started. This episode features many scholars with differing opinions on the Declaration: Danielle Allen, Byron Williams, Cheryl Cook-Kallio, Woody Holton, and Emma Bray.

If you’re a teacher and want to introduce an episode, just give a holler at civics101@nhpr.org and we’ll get right back to you.

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