Declaration of Independence and US Constitution

What is the original motto of the United States, and what does it mean?

Why did the delegates decide to declare independence from Britain?

• Due to many colonial grievances (complaints) against Great Britain.

• Because they wanted to form an alliance with France.

• To expand British rule to other continents.

• Because they were offered independence by the King of Spain.

When was the Declaration of Independence issued?

• July 4, 1776

• June 14, 1775

• September 17, 1787

• December 25, 1776

What did the Declaration of Independence do for the colonists?

• It freed the colonists from Britain and put forward a theory of government.

• It established a monarchy in the colonies.

• It created new taxes for the colonists.

• It forced the colonists to return to Britain.

According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the purpose of government?

• To protect citizens' unalienable rights, such as 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'

• To establish a monarchy and centralize power.

• To control the economy and regulate all businesses.

• To expand territory through military conquest.

Who borrowed many ideas for the Declaration of Independence?

• John Locke

• Isaac Newton

• Benjamin Franklin

• George Washington

What does 'powers from the consent of the governed' mean?

The Declaration of Independence argued that ordinary citizens had the right to overthrow an oppressive government that failed to protect unalienable rights.

• True

• False

What did the U.S. Constitution do that the Declaration of Independence did not?

Who held the power in the government established by the U.S. Constitution?

• The people, who elected their own representatives.

• The President, who ruled by decree.

• The Supreme Court, which made all laws.

• The British monarchy, which retained control.