Declaration of Independence

Why did American colonists declare their independence from England?

• They felt they were losing their rights.

• They did not like the country.

• They were tired of giving speeches.

The Declarations says that people have the right to life, _______, and the pursuit of happiness.

• holiday
• taxing
• rights
• liberty

According to the Declaration of Independence, the fundamental purpose of government is to…

• protect people’s natural rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness

• equalize opportunities for all citizens

• provide for the defense of the nation

• establish a system of free public education

The phrase "consent of the governed" means that... 

• the people should be the source of power in a government 
• the people should have very little power in a government 
• a king can only make decisions in a government 

One of the principles stated in the Declaration of Independence is that government should…

• limit rights of the people in times of war 
• have unlimited power to rule the people
• be based upon the consent of the governed 
• be led by the wealthy 

According to the Declaration of Independence, the people have the right to alter or abolish a government if that government…

• is a limited monarchy

• violates or does not protect their natural rights

• becomes involved in alliances

• favors one religion over another

When the colonists said they were going to dissolve their political bands with Britain, they meant that they were going to ________ these bands.

• end

• strengthen

• declare

• make sacred

Which statement summarizes the ideas from the passage?

• Since people create governments to protect their rights, they can change governments that abuse their rights.

• The only safe government is one with a system of checks and balances between its different branches.

• Without the government to restrain us, every society would become a struggle of every person against every other person.

• Although people create governments to protect their rights, once they give power to a government they cannot take it back

Which phrase completes the diagram?

• The colonial theory of government

• The colonial theory of government

• Grievances of the colonists against Britain

• False rumors spread by colonial newspapers

Based on this passage with which complaint against the king from the Declaration of Independence would Thomas Paine again?

• a. persecuting immigrant groups

• b. taking away religious rights

• c. taking away political rights

• d. persecuting racial groups