Topic 4: The Declaration of Independence

According to the Declaration of Independence who gives us our rights?

• They are given to us by God at birth.

• They are given to us by Congress.

• They are given to us by our Executive Branch.

• They are given to us by our Legislature.

Which statement best describes the role of government according to the Declaration of Independence?

• “The main purpose of government is to expand and glorify the state”
• “The main purpose of government is to protect the unalienable rights of individuals”
• “The main purpose of government is to protect the rights and privileges of His Majesty, the King”
• “The main purpose of government is to promote the general welfare of the community by taking steps toward social equality”

 Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• Benjamin Franklin
• James Madison
• Thomas Edison
• Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson when writing the Declaration of Independence, was inspired by this famous Enlightenment philosopher?

• William Penn

• Roger Sherman

• John Locke

• Robert Livingston

What are the three inalienable rights that all people have?

• Food, Shelter, and Clothing

• Life, Liberty and Property

• Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness

What was the date that the Declaration of Independence was signed?

• July 4, 1776
• July 2, 1776
• July 4, 1787
• July 2, 1775

Who gives government the ability to govern?

• The People

• Parliament

• The King

• The Sons of Liberty

The Declaration of Independence states, “That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it.” Which Enlightened idea do these words describe?

• need to ensure a representative government.
• social contract between government and the people.
• revolutionary intent to overthrow the current government.
• return to a society that has no central authority.

According to the Declaration of Independence, what truth was "self-evident"?

• All men are created equal
• Rights are given by good kings
• Government exists to protect us from ourselves
• Only a democracy can protect our rights

The List of Grievances.....

• detailed the colonists' complaints against King George.

• listed a man's natural rights.

• introduced the purpose of the Declaration.

• concluded the Declaration, declaring America a free country.