The Declaration of Independence: Text and Historical Context

Which phrase from the Declaration states that certain rights cannot be taken away?

• Natural rights of man

• Unalienable Rights

• Civil liberties

• Inherited privileges

According to the Declaration, governments derive their just powers from which source?

• Divine right of kings

• Military strength

• Consent of the governed

• Tradition and custom

What does the Declaration say people have the right to do when a government becomes destructive of their rights?

• Appeal to Parliament for relief

• Wait for elections

• Alter or abolish it and institute new Government

• Move to another country

Which document section lists specific complaints against King George III?

• Preamble

• List of Grievances

• Conclusion

• Signatures

Which grievance accuses the King of imposing financial burdens without approval?

• Quartering troops

• Imposing Taxes on us without our Consent

• Depriving us of trial by jury

• Transporting us beyond Seas

The Declaration criticizes the King for suspending legislatures and refusing to pass laws. What core republican principle does this threaten?

• Separation of church and state

• Representation of the people in making laws

• Judicial review

• Federalism

Which best describes the historical purpose of the Declaration adopted on July 4, 1776?

• To propose a new Constitution for the colonies

• To declare the colonies free and independent states

• To negotiate tax reforms with Parliament

• To appoint a new royal governor

Which statement from the Declaration explains why governments should not be changed for light and transient causes?

• Mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable

• All men are created equal

• We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms

• He has obstructed the Administration of Justice

Which action by the King is cited as denying a basic legal protection to colonists?

• Keeping standing armies in peacetime

• Cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world

• Depriving us in many cases of the benefits of Trial by Jury

• Dissolving representative houses

Which line expresses the philosophical foundation of equality in the Declaration?

• That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive...

• He has refused for a long time...

• We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal

• In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress