Understanding the Declaration of Independence

What was the primary purpose of the First Continental Congress?

• To establish a new government

• To draft the Declaration of Independence

• To resolve issues with the British king peacefully

• To declare war on Great Britain

Who was NOT a member of the Committee of Five responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence?

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

• George Washington

According to the Declaration, what is the source of a government's just powers?

• The consent of the governed

• The king's decree

• Military strength

• Divine right

What does the Declaration say about altering or abolishing a government?

• It should be done frequently

• It is never justified

• It should be done for light and transient causes

• It is a right when the government becomes destructive

What is the main argument presented in the Declaration of Independence?

• The king has absolute power over the colonies

• All men are created equal with unalienable rights

• The colonies should seek peace with Britain

• The colonies should remain under British rule

How many grievances against the British Crown are listed in the Declaration?

• 13

• 27

• 50

• 100

What was the colonies' response to the British ignoring their petitions?

• They increased trade with Britain

• They decided to remain loyal

• They sought help from other countries

• They declared independence

What does the final paragraph of the Declaration of Independence declare?

• The colonies' request for British protection

• The colonies' status as free and independent states

• The colonies' desire for peace

• The colonies' allegiance to the British Crown

What document was established after the Declaration to form the first Constitution of the United States?

• The Magna Carta

• The Federalist Papers

• The Bill of Rights

• The Articles of Confederation

What is the significance of July 4th, 1776, in American history?

• The end of the American Revolution

• The signing of the Constitution

• The start of the American Revolution

• The official adoption of the Declaration of Independence