Declaration of Independence-Part 2-

According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the main purpose of a nation’s government?

• a.

  to keep people satisfied with their leaders

• b.

  to help the nation grow in wealth and power

• c.

  to see that people’s basic rights are protected

• d.

  to maintain order and stability by staying in power

Which of the following is the central idea put forth in the Declaration of Independence?

• a.

  The American people will fight to the death to protect themselves from attacks by Britain.

• b.

  The American colonies are justified in rejecting British rule and setting up a new government.

• c.

  The people of Great Britain should claim their own independence from the rule of the current king.

• d.

  Americans who support the idea of independence from Great Britain greatly outnumber those who do not.

Read this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness….

Which of the following statements best explains what Jefferson means by “all men are created equal”?

• a.

  All people are equally provided with brains and talent.

• b.

  All people are entitled to equal treatment under the law.

• c.

  All people are equally qualified to hold high political office.

• d.

  All people are entitled to obey only the laws they agree with.

The Declaration of Independence states that independence has become “necessary” and that Americans “should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

Which of the following statements best expresses the point Jefferson makes with this language?

• a.

  Jefferson suggests that foreign allies have urged Congress to declare independence.

• b.

  Jefferson emphasizes that America has been forced into declaring its independence.

• c.

  Jefferson implies that Britain fully approves of Congress’s decision to declare independence.

• d.

  Jefferson explains that America never considered any action other than declaring independence.

In the Declaration of Independence, what is Jefferson’s purpose in listing self-evident truths?

• a.

  He is expressing the values that underlie his argument.

• b.

  He is demonstrating that he has a factual basis for his argument.

• c.

  He is drawing readers’ attention to his personal and strongly held opinions.

• d.

  He is creating a connection to the colonists’ attempts to reconcile with Britain.

Which of the following statements from the Declaration of Independence makes the strongest emotional appeal to readers?

• a.

  He has called together legislative bodies … for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

• b.

  He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly….

• c.

  He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his
  protection....

• d.

  He is at this time transporting large armies … to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny.…