Declaration of Independence

Why was the Declaration of Independence written?

• to explain why the colonies were separating from Great Britain

• the start the American Revolution

• to offer a peace settlement to Great Britain.

• to instruct how a county wins its freedom.

Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• John Adams
• Benjamin Franklin

According to Thomas Jefferson, the power to rule comes from

• the governed.

• God

• Parliament.

• the king.

Why did Thomas Jefferson say that King George III was an unfit ruler?

• He denied the colonists their rights.

• He was not born in Great Britain

• He was not elected by Parliament

• He lived far away from the colonies.

rights that cannot be taken away

• unalienable rights

• natural rights

• just powers

• consent of the governed

The natural rights included in the Declaration of Independence are...

• life.

• liberty.

• the pursuit of happiness.

• life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

What did one part of the Declaration of Independence list?

• The colonists still wanted to be British citizens
• The colonists wanted to change the British government
• The things the colonists thought the King did wrong

"It is the right of the people to alter or abolish (get rid of) a government that is not working" what did this mean?

• All WHITE men were created equal. The DOI didn't mention women or slaves.
• Rights are given to men by their government but are inherent and undeniable. Rights we are born with
• The purpose of government is to protect the rights of the people
• If the government does not protect the rights of the people, it is the right of the people to change the government

Which came first?

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