Jefferson chose to begin the Declaration with the words, “The unanimousDeclaration of the thirteen united States of America.” Do you feel this wasnecessary? Why or why not? Could the 13 colonies have declared independenceif they were not unanimous? Why or why not?Answers will vary. Most students might note that it was necessary for Jefferson to provethat the Continental Congress presented a united front to the world in order to prove thatindependence was the true goal of the colonies. Others may state that since each stateprovided signers to the document, it was obvious that all thirteen colonies accepted it.As to the question of whether the 13 colonies could have declared independence if theyweren’t unanimous, answers will vary. Most students might state that independencewould be difficult without the support of all thirteen colonies, but some might sayindependence without consensus was still possible. For instance, colonies that objectedcould be absorbed into Canada or find a way to peacefully co-exist with those thatseceded.
