Understanding the Declaration of Independence

What was the initial date when American independence was approved?

• July 4, 1776

• July 2, 1776

• June 1776

• July 1, 1776

Who is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence?

• John Adams

• Roger Sherman

• Thomas Jefferson

• Benjamin Franklin

Which state's delegation was Thomas Jefferson a part of?

• Virginia

• Massachusetts

• Pennsylvania

• New York

Who suggested Thomas Jefferson should help draft the Declaration?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Alexander Hamilton

• John Adams

• George Washington

What major change did Congress make to Jefferson's draft of the Declaration?

• Changed the date of independence

• Included women's rights

• Removed references to slavery

• Added more grievances

Which of the following was NOT a reason for the deletion of the slavery reference in the Declaration?

• It was factually incorrect

• It was too controversial

• Congress wanted no mention of slavery

• Jefferson opposed the deletion

What was the big contradiction in the Declaration of Independence?

• It celebrated liberty but accepted slavery

• It omitted women's rights

• It did not mention the native populations

• It declared war

Which event did the Declaration of Independence lead to many years later?

• The Revolutionary War

• World War I

• The Civil War

• The War of 1812

To Great Britain, the signing of the Declaration of Independence was

• an act of loyalty.
• an act of treason.
• an act of bravery.
• an act of insanity.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
- What document is this from?

• Proclamation of 1763
• Charter of 1732
• Declaration of Independence