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Taking a Stand: Common Sense, Declaration, Patriot&Loyalist

Total questions: 20

Worksheet time: 10mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

Who write the pamphlet titled "Common Sense"?

a)

Benjamin Franklin

b)

Thomas Paine

c)

George Washington

d)

Thomas Jefferson

2.

Why was "Common Sense" significant in colonial history?

a)

It convinced the French to aid the colonial army.

b)

It persuaded the colonists to support independence.

c)

It established the first government for the colonies.

d)

It convinced the colonists to join together and boycott tea.

3.

What was the intent (purpose) of "Common Sense"?

a)

to urge colonists to support independence

b)

to convince France to become an ally of the colonists

c)

to persuade Parliament to repeal tax laws

d)

to encourage colonists to explore Western territories

4.

Based on our knowledge of Thomas Paine, which of these quotes would he MOST LIKELY agree with?

a)

Soldiers in the colonial army had already sacrificed too much.

b)

Defeating the British would make an American country weaker.

c)

Americans placed too much value on defeating the British.

d)

The struggle for freedom is difficult but worth it.

5.

How did Thomas Paine want to persuade the colonists to agree with his belief that independence was the best option?

a)

common, simple language and logic

b)

threats and scare tactics

c)

humor and sarcasm

d)

bribes and political promises

6.

During the Revolutionary War, which group of people were known as Patriots?

a)

colonists who supported British rule of the colonies

b)

colonists who supported independence

c)

Native Americans who supported the British

d)

slaves who served in the militia

7.

During the Revolutionary War, which group of people were known as Loyalists?

a)

slaves who served in the militia

b)

colonists who supported British rule of the colonies

c)

Native Americans who supported the British

d)

colonists who supported independence

8.

True or False:

A Southern plantation owner would most likely be a Loyalist.

a)

True

b)

False

9.

True or False:

Most Loyalists lived in New England.

a)

True

b)

False

10.

True or False:

Patriots felt British laws violated their rights.

a)

True

b)

False

11.

True or False:

The Sons of Liberty were Loyalists.

a)

True

b)

False

12.

Who wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence?

a)

Alexander Hamilton

b)

Thomas Jefferson

c)

John Hancock

d)

Donald Trump

13.

Which statement BEST describes the Declaration of Independence?

a)

It was an unpopular document that many colonial legislatures refused to ratify.

b)

It was a carefully created document approved by representatives of each colony.

c)

It blamed Parliament for the problems experienced by the American colonists.

d)

It established a government structure and new laws for the American people.

14.

According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the purpose of government?

a)

to establish borders for the country

b)

to provide services to citizens

c)

to protect the natural rights of citizens

d)

to educate citizens

15.

Which Enlightenment philosopher most influenced the writers of the Declaration of Independence?

a)

John Locke

b)

Thomas Hobbes

c)

Jean-Jacques Rousseau

d)

Adam Smith

16.

What rights are referred to in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

freedom of speech, religion, and movement

b)

life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

c)

the divine rights of kings

d)

faith, hope, and love

17.

What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

a)

to announce a boycott of all British goods

b)

to declare the colonies free from British rule

c)

to set up mercantilism as America's economic system

d)

to set up a new government for the new nation

18.

During which assembly was the Declaration of Independence signed?

a)

First Continental Congress

b)

Second Continental Congress

c)

Third Continental Congress

d)

Fourth Continental Congress

19.

According to the Declaration of Independence, how did the American colonists feel about King George's leadership?

a)

The colonists believed King George III’s actions were controlled by Parliament.

b)

The colonists believed King George III had given too much freedom to the colonies.

c)

The colonists blamed King George III for violating their rights.

d)

The colonists resented King George III’s role in regulating trade.

20.

Which of these philosophies became a principle of American government?

a)

The government’s powers should be divided between state and national levels.

b)

The government’s authority comes from the people, and it must be used to protect their rights.

c)

The government’s powers include determining which rights should be given to the people.

d)

The government’s authority comes from the gods, and it must be used to help all individuals prosper.