Declaration of Independence

John Locke, an Enlightenment-era philosopher, influenced the American movement for independence. Locke believed that all people were entitled to natural rights. Which quotation from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence enshrines natural rights?

"[T]hey are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

The Declaration of Independence intended to end British rule in the colonies, and grant citizens

the right to self-govern

Which statement describes a natural right?

the rights that cannot, or should not, be taken away

Which best summarizes the social contract outlined in the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence?

Government has the power to protect natural rights, but people can change their government if it fails to do so.

Why did Thomas Paine question British authority to rule the colonies in Common Sense?

He believed the king would only approve laws that benefited Britain

What purpose did the introduction to the Declaration of Independence serve?

It indicated why independence was necessary

Which best describes why the Boston Tea Party is considered such a significant event in US history?

It was the first major act of defiance by the colonists.

Was the Declaration of Independence intended to be a formal declaration of war? Why or why not?

No. The war started a year before the Declaration of Independence was written

The Declaration of Independence refers to rights as being unalienable. What does "unalienable" mean?

cannot be surrendered

Why were taxes an ongoing source of conflict for the American colonists?

They were taxed without having representation in Parliament.

As the result of a conflict between British troops and a colonial militia in Massachusetts,

Thomas Paine published Common Sense.

Which reason best explains why this grievance was included in the Declaration?

Trade focused on generating income for the Crown only

Does the preamble to the Declaration of Independence indicate reasons why the new independent government might be similarly removed or overthrown? Why or why not?

Yes. It outlines when it is appropriate to remove a government.

The preamble to the Declaration of Independence outlines the principles upon which the new government would be based. Which of these best describes one of those principles?

a government based on a social contract

Which part of the Declaration of Independence acts as an implied plan of action, in that it lists laws and practices to be changed?

the body

In which section of the Declaration of Independence is the purpose of government described?

the introduction