Declaration of Independence Quiz

Who was appointed to develop a public explanation for colonial unhappiness and to provide a reason for independence?

• The Committee of 5

• The Presidential Cabinet

• Alexander Hamilton

• The Small Council

Who is often called the 'author' of the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

• Roger Sherman

Which English philosopher influenced Thomas Jefferson's writing of the Declaration of Independence?

• John Locke

• Richard Henry Lee

• George III

• John Hancock

What is the purpose of the government according to the Declaration of Independence?

• To protect the rights of the citizens

• To control the colonies

• To serve the king

• To oppress the people

What is the main complaint of the colonists against King George III?

• He won't pass laws that protect their rights

• He is too kind and generous

• He is not involved in their affairs

• He is not the rightful king

What is the significance of the Declaration of Independence?

• It declared the United States as an independent nation

• It declared war against Great Britain

• It established the first constitution of the United States

• It abolished slavery in the United States

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

• Roger Sherman

The idea that governments are created by the people, and that governments are designed to protect the rights of its' people is called...

• The Social Network

• Unalienable rights

• Natural rights

• The Social Contract

Thomas Jefferson was most heavily influenced by what English philosopher?

• Adam Smith
• Thomas Hobbes

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau
• John Locke

Place the parts of the Declaration in order:

• Declaration of Natural Rights

• List of Grievances

• Preamble

• Resolution of Independence