Founding Documents Quotes Quiz

"We, whose names are underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign, King James, by the grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc."

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Mayflower Compact

• The Constitution of the United States

• Federalist No. 1

Answer explanation

The quote reflects the language and intent of the Mayflower Compact, which was an agreement made by the Pilgrims to govern themselves under King James, establishing a framework for their new society.

"We do by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic…"

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Mayflower Compact

• The Constitution of the United States

• Federalist No. 1

Answer explanation

The phrase "covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil body politic" is a key element of The Mayflower Compact, which established a framework for governance among the Pilgrims in 1620.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights…"

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Monroe Doctrine

• Supreme Court opinion in Marbury v. Madison

Answer explanation

The quote is from The Declaration of Independence, which asserts that all men are created equal and have unalienable rights. This foundational document outlines the principles of equality and rights in American democracy.

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility…"

• Federalist Nos. 10 and 51

• The Constitution of the United States

• June 8, 1789 speech on amendments

• The 1796 Farewell Address

Answer explanation

The phrase "We the People of the United States..." is the preamble of The Constitution of the United States, which outlines the purpose of the document and establishes the foundation of American government.

"It is not tyranny we are fighting, but we are fighting for our liberties."

• Monroe Doctrine

• The 1796 Farewell Address

• "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

• Federalist Nos. 10 and 51

Answer explanation

The quote reflects the principles discussed in Federalist Nos. 10 and 51, emphasizing the fight for individual liberties and the prevention of tyranny through a balanced government structure.

"In the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…"

• The Mayflower Compact

• The Declaration of Independence

• The Bill of Rights

• The Monroe Doctrine

Answer explanation

The phrase "In the course of human events..." is a key opening line from The Declaration of Independence, which articulates the need for a people to separate from political ties, making it the correct choice.

"The accumulation of all powers, legislative, executive, and judiciary, in the same hands… may justly be pronounced the very definition of tyranny."

• The Bill of Rights

• Federalist Nos. 10 and 51

• Supreme Court opinion in Marbury v. Madison

• The Constitution of the United States

Answer explanation

The quote reflects the concerns addressed in Federalist Nos. 10 and 51 about the dangers of consolidating powers in one entity, which can lead to tyranny. These essays advocate for separation of powers to prevent such tyranny.

"The people have a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State…"

• The Bill of Rights

• The Monroe Doctrine

• The 1796 Farewell Address

• June 8, 1789 speech on amendments

Answer explanation

The phrase "The people have a right to keep and bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State…" refers to the Second Amendment, which is part of The Bill of Rights, ensuring the right to bear arms.

"Observe good faith and justice toward all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all."

• Federalist No. 1

• The 1796 Farewell Address

• The Constitution of the United States

• "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?"

Answer explanation

The quote reflects the principles outlined in The 1796 Farewell Address by George Washington, emphasizing good faith, justice, and harmony among nations, making it the correct choice.

"It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is."

• Supreme Court opinion in Marbury v. Madison

• The Constitution of the United States

• The Bill of Rights

• The Monroe Doctrine

Answer explanation

The quote "It is emphatically the province and duty of the judicial department to say what the law is" is from the Supreme Court opinion in Marbury v. Madison, establishing the principle of judicial review.