Declaration of Independence Close Read

What is the primary role of a government as outlined in the Declaration of Independence?

• To ensure the happiness of its citizens

• To expand the nation's wealth and influence

• To safeguard the fundamental rights of individuals

• To preserve its authority and control

Which of these statements BEST explains where governments get their power from?

• "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal..."

• "...[To] secure these rights, governments are instituted among men..."

• "...[G]overnments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes..."

• "...[A]s free and independent states, they have full power to levy war..."

What is the main argument presented in the Declaration of Independence?

• The colonies will defend themselves against British aggression.

• The colonies have the right to break away from British rule.

• The British people should seek independence from their monarchy.

• The majority of Americans support independence from Britain.

Which excerpt from the Declaration of Independence best supports the colonies' justification for independence?

• "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations..."

• "We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity..."

• "We, therefore, ... do in the name and by authority of the good people..."

• "And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine providence..."

What does Jefferson mean by stating "all men are created equal"?

• Everyone has the same intellectual abilities.

• Everyone deserves equal legal rights.

• Everyone is equally fit for political office.

• Everyone can choose which laws to follow.

How does Jefferson justify the necessity of declaring independence?

• He claims foreign nations have encouraged independence.

• He stresses that circumstances have forced the colonies to act.

• He suggests Britain supports the colonies' decision.

• He argues that independence was the only option considered.

Why does Jefferson list self-evident truths in the Declaration?

• To express the core values supporting his argument.

• To provide factual evidence for his claims.

• To highlight his personal opinions.

• To connect with past reconciliation attempts with Britain.

What is the purpose of Jefferson's use of terms like "absolute despotism" and "abuses"?

• To suggest that powerful figures disapprove of the king.

• To offer logical proof of the king's failures.

• To show fairness towards the king.

• To evoke emotional responses against the king.

Why is the language in Jefferson's description of the king considered effective?

• The language is intense and extreme.

• The language is careful and tentative.

• The language is reasonable and fair.

• The language is dry and legal.

Which statement from the Declaration makes a strong emotional appeal?

• "He has called together legislative bodies..."

• "He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly..."

• "He has abdicated government here..."

• "He is at this time transporting large armies..."