Moving Toward Independence Quiz

Which would NOT be considered a "Founding Document" of the United States?

• the Magna Carta

• the English Bill of Rights

• the Mayflower Compact

• the Pledge of Allegiance

Which of the following was NOT provided by the English Bill of Rights?

• the right to self-government

• the right to bear arms

• the right to have no excessive punishments (no cruel or unusual punishments)

• the right to elect leaders

Why did the colonists want independence from England?

• They didn't feel loyal to the king.

• They lacked individual rights guaranteed by British law, including representation in government.

• They were unhappy that only landowners were represented in government and believed everyone should be equal.

• They wanted the right to bear arms and not to be unlawfully imprisoned.

What natural rights are included in the Declaration of Independence?

• life, liberty and property

• life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

• freedom of religion and speech

• freedom of the press, assembly, and the right to petition the government

Which phrase from the Declaration of Independence refers to the social contract?

• "to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men"

• "we hold these truths to be self-evident"

• "as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness"

• "that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights"

What did the writers of the Declaration of Independence call their list of complaints against Great Britain?

• Problems

• Conflicts

• Grievances

• Grumbles

Which document provided a group of settlers a means of self-government based on the common good?

• The Magna Carta

• Common Sense

• The English Bill of Rights

• The Mayflower Compact

Who wrote the pamphlet "Common Sense" in 1776?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

• Thomas Paine

How did life change for the colonists after England defeated the French in the French and Indian War?

• British soldiers stayed in the colonies and taxes got higher.

• British soldiers left the colonies and taxes got lower.

• Colonists got representation in Parliament and felt like they had a say in British government.

• Britain encouraged colonists to make their own rules, justice systems, and taxes.

When did colonial representatives officially declare independence from England?

• August 1, 1776

• July 4, 1776

• July 5, 1775

• December 25, 1865