This course was created by the Rethink Education Content Development Team. This course is aligned to the NC Standards for 5th Grade Social Studies.

This short encyclopedia article describes the Roman Republic and has many relevant and interesting images for students to investigate.

Students explore the political, economic, and social factors that influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the importance of this document. They look at the events of the American Revolution, and look forward to elements that should be included in the new government in order to assure that the grievances in the Declaration of Independence are addressed.

Many of the ideas that influenced the Founders originated in the government of the Roman Republic. This lesson provides an opportunity for students to explore and discuss the meaning of republicanism, common welfare, and civic virtue as they were said to have been practiced in ancient Rome, and to consider how these ideas influenced the thinking and behavior of the Founders.