1.6 Understanding the Declaration of Independence

What year was the Declaration of Independence written?

• 1776

• 1787

• 1775

• 1800

What are the fundamental rights that cannot be taken away called?

• Social rights

• Unalienable rights

• Human-made rights

• Governmental rights

Which of the following is NOT listed as an unalienable right in the Declaration of Independence?

• Liberty

• Life

• Equality

• The pursuit of happiness

Who believed that unalienable rights were inherent to all individuals?

• The colonists

• The founding fathers

• The British government

• All governments

What concept suggests that governments are established by the people to secure their rights?

• Natural rights

• Social contract

• Limited government

• Unalienable rights

What does the concept of limited government state?

• Governments should not interfere in economic matters.

• Governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed.

• Only a strong central government can protect rights.

• Governments should have unlimited power.

According to the Declaration, what should happen if a government becomes destructive of the rights it's supposed to protect?

• The government should apologize.

• The people have the right to alter or abolish it.

• The people should elect new leaders.

• The government should be reformed.

Which grievance was NOT listed against the British government?

• Quartering soldiers

• Limiting judicial powers

• Imposing taxes without consent

• Denying freedom of speech

What were the colonists' actions described as in response to their grievances?

• Tyrannical

• Oppressive

• Justified

• Unjustified

What does the Declaration of Independence remind us of today?

• The importance of military strength

• The significance of protecting individual rights

• The need for a powerful central government

• The benefits of a monarchy