Key Documents and Ideas of Independence

The video discusses three pivotal documents from the Revolutionary War: 'Common Sense' by Thomas Paine, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation. 'Common Sense' was a pamphlet advocating for independence, written in plain language for the common people. The Declaration of Independence, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson, declared the colonies' independence from Britain. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution, establishing a weak central government to preserve state power. Despite its weaknesses, it laid the groundwork for the U.S. Constitution.

Which three documents played a crucial role in the Revolutionary War?

• The Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, and the Emancipation Proclamation

• The Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Federalist Papers

• Common Sense, the Declaration of Independence, and the Articles of Confederation

• The Gettysburg Address, the Emancipation Proclamation, and the Bill of Rights

Who authored the pamphlet 'Common Sense'?

• John Adams

• Thomas Paine

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

What was the primary purpose of the pamphlet 'Common Sense'?

• To promote the British monarchy

• To argue for the independence of the colonies

• To outline the structure of the new government

• To discuss economic policies

How many copies of 'Common Sense' were sold shortly after its publication?

• 500,000

• 300,000

• 200,000

• 100,000

Who is credited with writing the Declaration of Independence?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

• John Adams

Which philosopher's ideas did Thomas Jefferson borrow for the Declaration of Independence?

• John Locke

• Thomas Hobbes

• Aristotle

• Plato

What was the main reason the colonies declared independence from Britain?

• Trade restrictions

• High taxes

• Lack of fair governance

• Religious freedom

What form of government did the Articles of Confederation establish?

• Federal Republic

• Oligarchy

• Confederation

• Monarchy

What was a major weakness of the government under the Articles of Confederation?

• Too much power in the central government

• Lack of a President and Court system

• Excessive taxation

• Strong military control

What did the Articles of Confederation ultimately achieve despite their failure?

• A strong national government

• A firm league of friendship among the states

• A powerful military

• A successful economic system