The Declaration of Independence

Which of these ideas from the Declaration of Independence explains the proper purpose of government?

"To secure these rights, governments are instituted among men."

Match each word with the phrase that best describes its meaning. 1. authority 2. unalienable 3. self-government 4. declaration

1. power to enforce laws 2. something that cannot be taken away 3. the right to govern oneself 4. a forceful statement

Match the words of the preamble with the basic principle they best represent. Use each answer only once. 1. The words "governments are instituted among men" describe 2. The "right of the people to alter or to abolish" government means that 3. "Unalienable rights" are

1. the idea of a social contract. 2. the government exists to serve the people. 3. the natural rights to which all people are entitled.

According to the Declaration, in which ways did the king deny the colonists "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"? Write two to three sentences to explain your answer.

By blocking their ability to pass laws, the king limited the colonists' liberty. By punishing and killing those who disagreed with him, he violated their unalienable rights.

Which statement best explains what Paine says about the king?

He will only approve laws that are in his and Great Britain's best interest.

What does the preamble say about the power of government? Select all that apply.

If the government abuses its power, people's natural rights are taken away. The government has a responsibility to protect people's rights, not control their lives. A government is empowered by the consent of the governed.

What does this quotation from the introduction of the Declaration of Independence do?

It explains what the rest of the document will do.

Read the passage. Which Enlightenment principle do the grievances in this part of the document address?

self-governance

According to this text from the preamble to the Declaration, who gives men their unalienable rights?

their Creator

Which groups of people were excluded from the principles of unalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence? Select all that apply.

women enslaved African Americans Indigenous peoples