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Reading for Understanding
As you read Gerson's article, look for why he thinks America is not normal. Underline
sentences that are related to this idea.
Summarizing and Responding Write all of your responses in complete sentences
Gerson's thesis is that while the Constitution is important, "At times of anger, division, and
national self-doubt, the best American leaders have helped us turn to a different document the
Declaration of Independence." After some background information, Gerson quotes and
paraphrases Abraham Lincoln extensively in paragraphs 4 through 7
Why does he draw so much on Lincoln?
Would it be better for him to make his own arguments?
Summarize the arguments that Gerson takes from Lincoln and discuss how they support his
thesis
Thinking Critically write all of your responses in complete sentences
US 1659
At the end of the article. Gerson takes a series of statements and adds and all men and women
are created equal to them. He is quoting from the Declaration, but it is not an exact quote
because he added and women