Constitution Test Study Guide

When did America declare its independence from England?

• July 4, 1775

• July 4, 1776

• July 4, 1777

• July 4, 1778

Who was one of the main authors of the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

What is the basic idea of government stated in the Declaration of Independence?

• Government should have unlimited power.

• Government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

• Government is best which governs least.

• Government exists primarily to protect the rights of the wealthy.

What was one major topic in the Declaration of Independence?

• The economic benefits of independence

• The listing of wrongs done to Americans by the English government

• The establishment of a new monarchy

• The design of the new American flag

What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence as stated in the excerpt?

• To establish a new form of government immediately

• To dissolve the political bands with Britain and declare the colonies free and independent states

• To create an alliance with other nations

• To declare war on Great Britain

According to the Declaration of Independence, what truths are considered to be self-evident?

• All men are created equal with certain unalienable Rights

• Governments should not be changed for light reasons

• All colonies must pay taxes to Great Britain

• Trade and commerce should be regulated by the colonies themselves

What does the Declaration of Independence pledge at the end of the excerpt?

• Loyalty to the British Crown

• A commitment to peace and diplomacy

• A pledge of lives, fortunes, and sacred honor in support of the Declaration

• An agreement to form political alliances with other nations

What justification does the Declaration provide for dissolving political connections with Great Britain?

• The economic benefits of independence

• The desire to form alliances with other nations

• The history of injuries and usurpations by the British King that aim to establish absolute tyranny

• The colonies' ability to govern themselves better than Britain

What are two main topics covered in the Declaration of Independence?

• Freedom and Justice

• Rights and Duties

• Liberty and Equality

• Government and Rights

What is the theory of American government?

• Federalism

• Theocracy

• Democracy

• Monarchy