The Declaration of Independence

Which colonial leader introduced the ideas of John Locke’s “social contract” theory into the Declaration of Independence?

• John Hancock
• Thomas Paine
• James Madison
• Thomas Jefferson

Which statement best describes the role of government according to the Declaration of Independence?

• “The main purpose of government is to expand the glorify the state.”
• “The main purpose of government is to protect the unalienable rights of individuals.
• “The main purpose of government is to protect the rights and privileges of His Majesty, the King.”
• “The main purpose of government is to promote the general welfare of the community by taking steps toward social equality.”

The January 1776 publication of Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, _____. 

• caused Parliament to sympathize with the American colonies 
• had little effect on the attitudes of colonists 
• moved the colonies closer to declaring independence   
• occurred just after the Declaration of Independence

Which came first?

• the beginning of the American Revolution
• the Declaration of Independence

What is the significance of July 4, 1776?

• It was the day the Declaration of Independence was first drafted.

• It was the day the Continental Congress first met in Philadelphia.

• It was the day that Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence and presented it to the world.

• It was the date of the first battle of the American Revolution.

The reference to the natural rights of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” in the Declaration of Independence was clearly inspired by the ideas of  ______. 

• John Adams
• John Hancock
• John Smith
• John Locke

Who was considered to be the author of the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

The author wrote the Declaration of Independence without any input from anyone else.

• TRUE

• FALSE

How could the British have prevented the American Revolution? 

• By forcing King George III to give up the throne  
• By overruling the decisions of the colonial legislatures 
• By increasing taxes on the colonists 
• By allowing colonists to elect representatives to Parliament

Why is July 4, 1776 an important date in U.S. history?

• Common Sense was published.
• The Olive Branch Petition sent to King George III.
• The American Revolution ends.
• The Declaration of Independence is signed.