American Independence SSUSH4a.

Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?

• Richard Henry Lee

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

When was the Declaration of Independence formally adopted?

• June 28, 1776

• July 2, 1776

• July 4, 1776

• July 6, 1776

What was the colonists' determination at the end of the Declaration of Independence?

• To negotiate with King George III

• To declare independence from Britain

• To seek relief from the British government

• To control their own government

Which group of delegates were tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence?

• Committee of Five

• Continental Congress

• Patriots

• British forces

What was the major concern of the Southern Colonies regarding Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence?

• Taxation without representation

• Unfair trade policies

• Slavery

• Lack of representation in Parliament

What is the underlying philosophy for justifying colonial independence?

• Natural rights

• Social Contract Theory

• British monarchy

• Olive Branch Petition