Founding Documents Information

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

• July 4, 1776

• July 4, 1789

• July 4, 1812

• July 4, 1800

What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

• To declare war on France

• To create a new constitution

• To establish a new government

• To explain why the American colonists declared independence from Great Britain

What type of rights does the Declaration of Independence state that people have?

• Natural or "unalienable" Rights

• Economic Rights

• Legal Rights

• Governmental Rights

Why do people have these rights according to the Declaration of Independence?

• Because they are human

• Because they are wealthy

• Because they are educated

• Because they are citizens

What can the government not do regarding these rights?

• Ignore them

• Grant them

• Modify them

• Take them away

What are the rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence?

• Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

• Freedom, Justice, and Equality

• Peace, Security, and Prosperity

• Education, Health, and Welfare

On whose philosophical theory was the Declaration of Independence based?

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau

• Voltaire

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

According to John Locke, what do people have a right to form to protect their natural rights?

• A military

• A government

• A monarchy

• A corporation

What do people surrender in exchange for their rights and liberties to be protected?

• Certain freedoms

• Education

• Land

• Wealth

What was one grievance against the King mentioned in the Declaration?

• He imposed taxes on the colonists without their consent.

• He allowed colonists to govern themselves.

• He reduced military presence in the colonies.

• He provided free education to the colonists.