Assessments - 5th Grade Social Studies

Determine whether the following statement is True or False: The purpose of government, according to the Declaration of Independence, is to protect the unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• True

• False

Determine whether the following statement is True or False: According to the Declaration of Independence, governments derive their powers from divine right, not the consent of the governed.

• True

• False

Determine whether the following statement is True or False: The Declaration of Independence suggests that government exists to grant privileges and benefits to the ruling class, not necessarily to protect the people’s rights.

• True

• False

According to the Declaration of Independence, when a government becomes destructive to the people’s rights, it is the right of the people to change or abolish the government.

• True

• False

According to the Declaration of Independence, where do governments get their power from?

• From the king or queen

• From the people

• From state governors

• From the President

What is the main purpose of government, according to the Declaration of Independence?

• To make laws and punish those who disobey them

• To collect taxes and distribute them evenly

• To control the land and its resources

• To serve the good of the people and protect their rights.

What can people do if the government does not protect their rights?

• They have the right to change or remove the government

• Nothing, they must obey the government

• They can leave the country

• They must ask the king for help.