Declaring Independence

Match the following

• the crime of fighting against one's own government.

• rights

• freedoms that are protected by a government's laws.

• declaration

• a statement that declares, or announces, an idea.

• independence

• freedom from being ruled by someone else.

• treason

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

• Declaring war

• To become Allies with another country

• Making new laws

• To be free from Great Britain

​ (a)   wrote a pamphlet explaining that the colonists had ​ (b)   to gain and much to lose by staying tied to an unjust king. This pamphlet was called ​ (c)  

• Thomas Paine
• nothing
• Common Sense
• Patrick Henry
• George Washington
• Declaration of Independence
• Congress

A Virginia Delegate, Richard Henry Lee, asked Congress to officially declare independence at_____.

• First Continental Congress

• Second Continental Congress

• Parliment

• The Colonies

What rights did Jefferson argue that all people are born with?

• to an education and seek happiness

• to live, to sing, and an education

• to live, be free, and seek happiness

• be taxed with representation, equal rights, and freedom

On what date did Congress accept the Declaration of Independence?

Who was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Hancock

• Benjamin Franklin

The List of Grievances were the part of the Declaration that

• listed the colonists' complaints against King George.

• listed a man's natural rights.

• introduced the Declaration.

• concluded the Declaration, declaring America a free country.

Who is considered the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Jeffeson 

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin 

Why did the Founding Fathers write the Declaration of Independence?

• To make sure the King of England understood that the colonists liked him. 

• To explain the KING of England why colonies were separating.

• As a way to let the King of England know that they wanted to continue being part of England.