Declaration of Independence Quiz

Which argument most logically follows from Jefferson’s expressed ideas in the Declaration of Independence?

• The rights of men should be supported over those of women

• Monarchy is a bad form of government because rulers are not elected

• All forms of government destroy human rights and should be abandoned

• Any form of government that suppresses people’s freedoms should be overthrown

Answer explanation

Jefferson's ideas in the Declaration of Independence centered on the principle that governments are established to secure the rights and freedoms of the people. If a government fails to do so, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it. Thus, the statement 'Any form of government that suppresses people’s freedoms should be overthrown' aligns best with Jefferson’s expressed ideas.

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From the Declaration of Independence, what can a reader infer about Jefferson’s general attitude toward revolution?

• Revolution is a method of last resort

• All cases of injustice justify a revolution

• People often revolt as their first course of action

• Revolution is a poor way to deal with conflict

Answer explanation

Jefferson's perspective towards revolution in the Declaration of Independence is inferred as a method of last resort. This is drawn from the fact that the declaration was written after numerous attempts to reconcile with the British Crown failed. Hence, it wasn't seen as the first response but as a final resort when all other options were exhausted.

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In the Declaration of Independence, what does Jefferson mean in paragraph 4 when he says that the king “refused his assent to laws… necessary for the public good”?

• The king knows what is best for the colonists

• The king is too busy to listen to colonists

• The king enjoys his absolute rule over the colonists

• The king has not allowed changes that would benefit the colonists

Answer explanation

In the given question, Jefferson accuses the king of rejecting laws that could have been beneficial for the colonists. This clearly aligns with the correct option that states 'The king has not allowed changes that would benefit the colonists'. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of Jefferson's accusation against the king in the Declaration of Independence.

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

• To keep people satisfied with their leaders

• To help the nation grow in wealth and power

• To see that people’s basic human rights are protected

• To maintain order and stability by staying in power

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence, one of the founding documents of the United States, asserts the belief that the purpose of a government is to protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens. The other options, such as maintaining power or increasing wealth, do not align with these tenets as stated in the Declaration.

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

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

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

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

• Americans who support the idea of independence from Britain greatly outnumber those who do not; therefore, it is morally correct.

Answer explanation

The central argument in the Declaration of Independence is that the American colonies have the rightful grounds to reject British rule and establish their own government. This statement is a succinct summary of the document's main tenet, hence the correct option. The other options, while they may reflect sentiments during the period, do not accurately encapsulate the core argument of the Declaration.

Which quotation below best supports the following: The American colonies are justified in rejecting British rule and setting up a new government.

• “...to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government...”

• “We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence”

• “We, therefore,... do in the name and by authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare that these united colonies are and of right ought to be free and independent states…”

• “And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor”

Answer explanation

The correct choice is the quote about governments being instituted among men with their powers derived from the consent of the governed. This statement supports the idea of people having the right to alter or abolish any government that becomes destructive. It aligns with the context of the above question, making it the best supporting quotation.

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The Declaration of Independence states that independence has become “necessary” and that Americans “should declare the causes which impel them to the separation” (paragraph 2). Which of the following statements best expresses the point Jefferson makes with this language?

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

• Jefferson emphasizes that America has now been forced into declaring independence and they will give a full explanation of the leading causes

• Jefferson implies that Britain fully approves of Congress’ decision and explanation

• Jefferson explains that America never considered any action other than declaring war and independence

Answer explanation

The question asks for the point Jefferson makes in a particular segment of the Declaration of Independence. The correct answer is that Jefferson emphasizes that America has been forced into declaring independence and will provide a detailed explanation of the contributing factors. This choice accurately captures the implication of necessity and explanation mentioned in the original text.

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In the Declaration of Independence, what is Jefferson’s purpose in listing “self-evident” truths (paragraph 3)?

• He is expressing the values that are the foundational premises which drive the argument

• He is demonstrating that he has researched for his argument and has factual basis

• He is drawing reader’s attention to his personal and strong opinions to show that he is a patriot

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

Answer explanation

Jefferson's purpose of listing 'self-evident' truths in the Declaration of Independence is to express the basic values that underpin his argument. These truths form the foundational premises which drive the argument for independence, justifying the colonists' struggle against British rule, rather than showcasing his research, personal opinions or efforts to reconcile with Britain.

Jefferson describes the king’s actions and policies as “absolute despotism,” “abuses and usurpations,” “repeated injuries” and so on. Which of the following statements best describes the purpose of such language?

• The language implies that powerful authorities disapprove of the king.

• The language provides logical evidence of the failings of the king.

• The language demonstrates justice and fairness toward the king.

• The language arouses readers’ emotions against the king.

Answer explanation

The question asks why Jefferson uses strong words to describe the king's actions. The correct answer is that the language arouses readers’ emotions against the king. By using words like 'despotism,' 'abuses,' and 'usurpations,' Jefferson is trying to stir up strong negative feelings in the readers towards the king, which supports the case for independence.

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

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

• “He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly…”

• “He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection…”

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

Answer explanation

The statement 'He is at this time transporting large armies… to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny…' makes the strongest emotional appeal. It utilises dramatic language to paint a vivid picture of death, desolation, and tyranny. These elements evoke strong emotions in readers, making it more compelling than the other options which are more informational and less emotionally charged.

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