Checkpoint 6: The Declaration of Independence

Which actions taken by Great Britain did American colonists consider tyranny and abuse of power? Choose 3.

• requiring colonists to provide housing for British soldiers

• prohibiting colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains

• fighting the French and Indian War over the Ohio territory

• taxing colonists without allowing them to send representatives to Parliament

• expecting colonists to trade natural resources for manufactured goods from England

How did American colonists respond to the tyranny and abuse of power by England’s King George III?

• They declared war.

• They declared independence.

• They left the colonies and moved west.

• They attacked King George III

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• King George III

• John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

This chart lists the main parts of the Declaration of Independence. Match each part with its purpose by writing the correct letter under the part.

• officially proclaims that the colonists are free and independent from British rule

• Preamble

• explains that separation has become necessary for the American people

• Grievances

• lists complaints against King George III including unfair taxes

• Declaration

The Declaration of Independence states that people have certain unalienable rights. Choose the correct word to complete the sentence: ______ people have 'certain unalienable rights.'

• all

• some

Which rights should be included in the outer circles of the graphic organizer?

• life

• love

• liberty

• property

• pursuit of happiness

People's natural rights ________ be taken away.

• can

• cannot

Why was the Declaration of Independence written? (choose 3)

• Colonists decided to officially declare war against Great Britain

• Colonists needed an official document to unite them as Americans.

• Colonists hoped the Declaration would force King George III to apologize and end his abuse of power.

• Colonists decided the best way the tyranny and abuse of power by King George III was to separate from Great Britain.

• Colonists believed an official declaration would encourage France to provide military assistance in the event of a war against Great Britain.

When a government violates citizens' rights the people ________ change the government.

• should

• should not

Government derives its power from the _________.

• people

• king