Declaration of Independence MC Quiz (Honors)

This Virginia aristocrat, was the chief author of the American Declaration of Independence.

• James Madison

• Alexander Hamilton

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

Which of these are listed as the three unalienable rights listed in the Declaration of Independence? (check 3)

• Life

• Pursuit of Happiness

• Property

• Liberty

• Freedom

What does it mean to have "unalienable rights"?

• They cannot be taken away

• They are listed in the Constitution

• They have been won through court battles

• They are open to interpretation

According to the Declaration of Independence, governments derive their powers from ______________________

• a powerful, tyrannical King

• a democratically elected government

• God

• the consent of the governed

The “He” who is repeatedly referenced in the document refers to __________________

• Louis XVI, the King of France

• George Washington

• King George III of Great Britain

• God

True or False? The Declaration of Independence is a remarkable document because it directly calls for the freedom and equality for women, slaves and Native Americans

• True

• False

The Declaration of Independence is divided into four parts; the longest of which is ________________

• the Preamble

• the Declaration of Natural Rights

• the List of Grievances

• the Resolution of Independence

Which of the following is TRUE?

• The signers of the Declaration only signed with an assurance that they would be free from any persecution should the revolution fail

• The signers of the Declaration only signed because they were promised that we would abolish slavery should we become independent

• The signers of the Declaration risked their fortunes, lives and reputations if the revolution failed

• All of the above are TRUE

According to the Declaration of Independence, what things can a free and independent state do? (check all that apply)

• levy war

• make peace

• form alliances

• conduct commerce

Who was the first person to sign the Declaration of Independence? (his signature is the largest)

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Hancock