VUS.4e - Declaring Independence

What was the main reason for drafting the Declaration of Independence?

• To justify legally the separation from Britain.

• To establish a monarchy in the colonies.

• To request economic aid from France.

• To strengthen the power of the British Parliament.

Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

• Benjamin Franklin

• John Adams

• Thomas Jefferson

• Alexander Hamilton

According to the Declaration of Independence, what are "unalienable rights"?

• Rights granted by the government.

• Rights that cannot be taken away or given away.

• Rights that depend on a person’s social status.

• Rights that apply only during wartime.

Which Enlightenment philosopher had the greatest influence on the Declaration of Independence?

• Thomas Hobbes

• John Locke

• Montesquieu

• Voltaire

What is the purpose of the preamble in the Declaration of Independence?

• To provide a list of grievances against the British.

• To justify why the colonies are declaring independence.

• To describe the structure of the new government.

• To outline economic policies for the future nation.

According to John Locke, what should happen if a government fails to protect the people's rights?

• The people should accept the government’s authority.

• The government should be overthrown.

• The government should increase its military presence.

• The people should seek help from other monarchies.

What does "consent of the governed" mean?

• Government power comes from the people.

• The king must approve all laws.

• Parliament controls the rights of citizens.

• Citizens must obey laws without question.

What was one of the main accusations against the British king in the Declaration of Independence?

• He taxed only wealthy landowners.

• He refused to protect the colonies from Spain.

• He violated the rights of the colonies.

• He established democracy in the colonies.

Which section of the Declaration of Independence lists complaints against the British government?

• The preamble.

• The list of grievances.

• The resolution.

• The natural rights section.

What was the impact of the Declaration of Independence?

• It led to the immediate independence of the colonies.

• It started the American Revolution.

• It marked the birth of the first modern democratic republic.

• It strengthened the British monarchy.