Declaration of Independence Quiz

What year did Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence?

• 1776

• 1783

• 1763

• 1800

Answer explanation

Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which marked the formal assertion of the American colonies' intention to separate from British rule.

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CCSS.RL.7.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Fill in the blank: 'We hold these truths to be _______.'

• evident

• self-evident

• unclear

• hidden

Answer explanation

The phrase 'We hold these truths to be self-evident' is a famous line from the Declaration of Independence, indicating that certain truths are obvious and do not require proof. Thus, 'self-evident' is the correct choice.

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What are the 'unalienable Rights' listed in the Declaration?

• Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness

• Wealth, Power, and Fame

• Health, Success, and Love

• Peace, Justice, and Equality

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence states that the 'unalienable Rights' include 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness,' emphasizing fundamental human rights essential for freedom and well-being.

Fill in the blank: 'They are endowed by their Creator with certain _______ Rights.'

• alienable

• unalienable

• transferable

• negotiable

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'unalienable' because it refers to rights that cannot be taken away or denied, as stated in the Declaration of Independence. 'Alienable' means rights that can be transferred, which is not the intended meaning.

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CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

What is the main argument in the 1st section of the Declaration?

• All men are created equal with rights that cannot be taken away

• Government must give its consent for people to have rights

• Rights are given by the government

• Only some men are allowed to pursue happiness.

Answer explanation

The main argument in the 1st section of the Declaration asserts that all men are created equal and possess inherent rights. This emphasizes the idea of universal equality and the entitlement to rights, making the first choice correct.

What does the word 'instituted' mean in the context of the Declaration of Independence?

• Started

• Ended

• Changed

• Agreed

Answer explanation

In the context of the Declaration of Independence, 'instituted' means to have started or established a new government or system. This aligns with the idea of creating a new nation, making 'Started' the correct choice.

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CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What does the word 'tyranny' mean in the context of the Declaration of Independence?

• Fair rule

• Cruel and oppressive government

• Democratic leadership

• Peaceful governance

Answer explanation

In the context of the Declaration of Independence, 'tyranny' refers to a cruel and oppressive government. This term highlights the colonists' grievances against British rule, emphasizing their desire for freedom from such oppression.

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CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

What does Jefferson 'solemnly publish and declare' in his conclusion?

• That the colonies are free and independent states

• That the colonies will remain loyal to Britain

• That the colonies seek peace with Britain

• That the colonies will form a new monarchy.

Answer explanation

In his conclusion, Jefferson 'solemnly publish and declare' that the colonies are free and independent states, marking a definitive break from British rule and asserting their sovereignty.

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CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

Fill in the blank: The Declaration states that governments derive their just powers from the ______ of the governed.

• Wealth

• Consent

• Fear

• Strength

Answer explanation

The Declaration of Independence asserts that legitimate government authority comes from the 'consent' of the governed, emphasizing the importance of the people's approval in establishing just powers.

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CCSS.RI.6.8

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

What is the purpose of government according to Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence?

• To control the people

• To secure rights

• To expand territory

• To collect taxes

Answer explanation

According to Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence, the primary purpose of government is to secure the rights of the people, ensuring their life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.

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CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.7.8

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1