“Resolved: That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”
–Richard Henry Lee, June 7, 1776
Motion to the Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain
What is the Mock Continental Congress?
In the summer of 1776, separation from Great Britain was not a foregone conclusion, nor did all colonists think that independence was necessarily in their best interest. And while the Declaration of Independence represents a dawn of a new form of self-governance, the promise of its ideals—that all men are created equal—was denied to many inhabitants of the newly-formed nation.
In the Mock Continental Congress, middle and high school students will recreate the debates that led to our revolutionary national origin.
Over the course of the day, students will will engage first-hand with history, civil dialogue, parliamentary procedure, and the complex questions considered by members of the Second Continental Congress.
What to Expect
The Mock Continental Congress is an immersive, day-long educational experience in which students will engage with the historical considerations around American independence.
The day will involve collaboration with students from other schools, as different groups research and debate the different perspectives of representatives to the Second Continental Congress. Ideal participants will be enthusiastic about collaborating with peers, open to adopting different historical perspectives, and able to engage respectfully with others (even when disagreeing).
The day will include sessions in small groups, presentations by noted historians, and opportunities for student presentations.
Questions?
Contact Scott Abbot, Center for Civics Education, University of Delaware.
The Mock Continental Congress is a partnership between Delaware 250, Delaware Historical Society, Delaware First State Heritage Park, and the Biden School for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Delaware.
