Independence

The idea that government's legitimacy and authority are derived from the approval and agreement of the people it governs.

• Consent of the Governed

• Anarchy
• Social contract theory
• Divine right of kings

To provide or bestow something upon someone, often referring to natural rights or qualities. The Founding Fathers believed that individuals are bestowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• Deny
• Endowed

• Grant
• Impose

Formal statements or complaints expressing dissatisfaction or a sense of injustice. The Declaration of Independence lists a series of complaints against King George III as reasons for the American colonies' desire to break free from British rule.

• Petitions
• Declarations
• Grievances

Something that is clear and obvious without needing further explanation or proof.

• self-evident
• subjective
• complex
• ambiguous

The unjust or oppressive exercise of power by a government or ruler.

• democracy
• anarchy
• tyranny
• liberty

Rights that cannot be surrendered, transferred, or taken away because they are intrinsic to human beings. The Declaration of Independence proclaims that individuals have these rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, which cannot be denied by any government.

• Temporary rights
• Conditional rights
• Unalienable rights

• Fundamental rights

The formal statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in which the American colonies declared their independence from British rule. This document, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, marked the birth of the United States as an independent nation.

• The Constitution
• The Articles of Confederation
• The Bill of Rights
• The Declaration of Independence

The leaders and statesmen who played a key role in the establishment of the United States, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin.

• Founding Fathers
• Revolutionary War Generals
• Colonial Leaders
• American Presidents

An American statesman, diplomat, and Founding Father who authored the Declaration of Independence and served as the third President of the United States.

• Benjamin Franklin
• George Washington
• Thomas Jefferson
• John Adams

The year the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia ratified the Declaration of Independence on July 4th.

• 1776
• 1765
• 1775
• 1783