Quiz on the Declaration of Independence

What is the length (in words) of the Declaration of Independence?

• Approximately 300 words

• Approximately 1,300 words

• Approximately 13,000 words

• Approximately 130,000 words

Who "adopted" the Declaration of Independence? When?

• The Continental Congress adopted it on July 4, 1776.

• The British Parliament adopted it on July 4, 1776.

• The United Nations adopted it on July 4, 1776.

• The French Assembly adopted it on July 4, 1776.

What do we celebrate (holiday) in America to this day as a result of the Declaration of Independence?

• Independence Day

• Thanksgiving

• Labor Day

• Memorial Day

Was the Declaration of Independence unique?

• Yes, even though the ideas were taken from previous sources, it was the first to actually DECLARE these ideas and put them into action.

• No, similar documents existed before as did other "declarations" of independence.

• It was not unique at all.

Who was the writer of the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

What was the EMPHASIS of the Declaration of Independence?

• To declare WAR on Britain

• To ESTABLISH a new government

• To ASSERT THE colonies' RIGHT to independence

• To NEGOTIATE peace with Britain

Thomas Jefferson and George Washington had differing views on the issue of political parties. Which statement best describes their opposition?

• Jefferson supported political parties (he was the founder of one of the first two in our history), while Washington opposed them.

• Both Jefferson and Washington supported political parties. Washington formed the Federalists and Jefferson the Democratic-Republicans

• Washington supported political parties (creating the Federalist Party) , while Jefferson opposed them.

• Neither Jefferson nor Washington had a clear stance on political parties.

What was the PRIMARY difference between the first 2 political parties?

• The role of the federal government vs state governments.

• The location of the capital city

• The design of the national flag

• The role of the military in America. Forming a permanent, formal military vs relying on militias.

Characterize Thomas Jefferson in the SECOND half of his life.

• Elected President for two terms. Founded University of Virginia and then focused on his retirement and personal pursuits.

• He became more involved in international diplomacy. He was the minster to France under President Madison.

• He dedicated his time to scientific research and inventions. He is credited with "discovering" electricity

• He was actively engaged in political reforms and governance. He became a LOUD voice for the Federalist Party.

Why would many in 1775 NOT IDENTIFY the Battle of Lexington and Concord as the first battle of the Revolutionary War?

• It was considered a minor skirmish and not really a "battle" by most citizens.

• The war had not been officially declared so Americans didn't treat it as a "battle".

• There were earlier conflicts between colonists and British forces and this battle was not considered by most a "revolutionary" event.

• It was not widely reported at the time.