Declaration of Independence: 18th Century Writing

What does the phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal" mean?

• It means that everyone is born with the same physical abilities.

• It means that everyone has the same rights and should be treated equally.

• It means that everyone should have the same amount of money.

• It means that everyone should have the same job opportunities.

What is meant by "governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"?

• Governments are chosen by a few powerful individuals.

• Governments get their power from the people they govern.

• Governments are always fair and just.

• Governments are created by divine intervention.

What does the phrase "should declare the causes which impel them to the separation" suggest?

• The colonists should list reasons for staying united.

• The colonists should explain why they want to separate.

• The colonists should ignore the reasons for separation.

• The colonists should ask for more time to decide.

What is implied by "a long train of abuses and usurpations" by the king?

• The king has been fair and just.

• The king has repeatedly mistreated and overstepped his authority.

• The king has been absent from his duties.

• The king has been generous and kind.

What does "a design to reduce [people] under absolute despotism" mean?

• A plan to give people more freedom.

• A plan to make people completely dependent on the king.

• A plan to create a fair government.

• A plan to improve people's living conditions.

What is the meaning of "quartering large bodies of armed troops among us"?

• Allowing soldiers to live in people's homes without permission.

• Training soldiers in public areas.

• Building military bases in remote areas.

• Recruiting local people into the army.

What does "transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny" imply?

• Bringing in foreign soldiers to help with construction.

• Hiring foreign soldiers to oppress and control the people.

• Inviting foreign soldiers for a peace mission.

• Training foreign soldiers in local military tactics.

What is meant by "He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us"?

• He has encouraged peaceful protests.

• He has incited rebellions within the colonies.

• He has promoted cultural exchanges.

• He has supported local businesses.

What does "free and independent states... have full power to contract alliances" mean?

• States can form partnerships with other countries.

• States must remain isolated from other countries.

• States can only trade with neighboring countries.

• States should avoid any foreign relations.

What is the significance of the phrase "unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"?

• These rights can be taken away by the government.

• These rights are fundamental and cannot be taken away.

• These rights are only for certain groups of people.

• These rights are optional and can be ignored.