Declaration of Independence Key Concepts

What unalienable rights are mentioned as being endowed by the Creator?

• Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

• Freedom, Justice, and Equality

• Property, Security, and Self-governance

• Speech, Religion, and Assembly

What event marked the beginning of the war against England, approximately a year before the Declaration of Independence?

• The Boston Tea Party

• The Battles of Lexington and Concord

• The Battle of Bunker Hill

• The Stamp Act Protests

When did the Continental Congress approve a resolution of independence?

• July 4th, 1776

• June 23rd, 1776

• July 2nd, 1776

• April 19th, 1775

Who is primarily credited with writing the Declaration of Independence?

• John Adams

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• George Washington

Which date is celebrated as America's birthday?

• July 2nd

• June 23rd

• July 4th

• September 17th

How many men were initially tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence?

• Three

• Four

• Five

• Seven

Besides Thomas Jefferson, which of the following individuals was part of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Alexander Hamilton

• John Adams

• James Madison

Why did John Adams suggest Thomas Jefferson be included in the drafting committee for the Declaration of Independence?

• Jefferson was the most experienced politician.

• They needed a representative from Virginia, and Jefferson was a skilled writer.

• Jefferson had the most radical ideas.

• Adams wanted to share the workload.

What significant change did the Continental Congress make to Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence?

• They added a section on religious freedom.

• They removed a charge against King George III regarding the slave trade.

• They changed the date of independence.

• They included a Bill of Rights.

What fundamental contradiction regarding human rights was highlighted by the Declaration of Independence, leading to future conflict?

• The conflict between states' rights and federal power.

• The issue of taxation without representation.

• The acceptance of slavery despite proclaiming liberty and equality.

• The debate over westward expansion.