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Understanding the Declaration of Independence

Total questions: 14

Worksheet time: 21mins

Name
Class
Date
1.

What is the primary purpose of the preamble in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

To list the grievances against the British King

b)

To explain the reasons for declaring independence

c)

To declare war on Britain

d)

To outline the new government structure

2.

Which of the following best describes the grievances section of the Declaration of Independence?

a)

It outlines the philosophical reasons for independence

b)

It lists complaints against the British government

c)

It declares the colonies' independence from Britain

d)

It provides a plan for the new government

3.

What is the significance of the declaration section in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

It provides a detailed plan for the new government

b)

It officially announces the colonies' separation from Britain

c)

It lists the rights of the citizens

d)

It describes the economic policies of the new nation

4.

Who were Button Gwinnett, George Walton, and Lyman Hall and what was their role in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

A British general opposing independence

b)

A signer of the Declaration from Georgia

c)

The main author of the Declaration

d)

A French diplomat supporting the colonies

5.

Which part of the Declaration begins, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..."

a)

Preamble

b)

Grievances

c)

Declaration

d)

Conclusion

6.

What was stated in the Proclamation of 1763?

a)

Colonists were BANNED from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

b)

The Proclamation ended the French and Indian War.

c)

Colonists were ENCOURAGED to begin settling west of the Appalachian Mountains.

d)

The Proclamation proclaimed independence for the American colonists.

7.
During the French and Indian War, the British and French were fighting over control of which area?
a)
Mississippi River Valley
b)
Ohio River Valley
c)
Connecticut River Valley
d)
Pennsylvania River Valley
8.

Why did King George III issue the Proclamation of 1763?

a)

He wanted to keep more settlers from moving to North America.

b)

He wanted to let the French move west of the Appalachian mountains.

c)

He wanted to make the colonists' lives difficult.

d)

He didn't want conflict with the American Indians.

9.

What did the Stamp Act of 1765 put a tax on?

a)

Paper goods such as deeds, newspapers, and playing cards.

b)

the Tea Act

c)

Stamps

d)

Boston Tea Party

10.

Put a check by the statements that show the causes of the American Revolution.

a)

The founding of Savannah

b)

The Proclamation of 1763

c)

The Stamp Act

d)

The French and Indian War

11.

The Declaration of Independence states that the purpose of the government is to secure and protect the natural born rights (permanent) of citizens. What are the permanent rights we all have?

a)

life, liberty, pursuit of a job

b)

liberty, freedom, pursuit of happiness

c)

life, liberty, pursuit of happiness

d)

life, freedom, do what we want

12.

What is NOT a principle of government in the Declaration of Independence?

a)

If the government is not protecting the people's rights, the people can change the government.

b)

All men are created equal.

c)

The government has all the power.

d)

We are born with natural rights.

13.

Jefferson's main purpose in writing the Declaration of Independence was:

a)

to make up with the King and ask forgiveness.

b)

to explain to the world why they were leaving Britain.

c)

to show everyone what a great writer he was.

d)

to ask the king to open up the Boston Harbor for trade.

14.

According to the Declaration of Independence, the power to rule comes from

a)

The king

b)

God

c)

Parliament

d)

the citizens, the people