Declaration of Independence Test Study Guide

How many people signed the Declaration of Independence?

56 people signed it July 4 - John Hancock August 2 - 50 delegates signed it and 5 other people agreed but weren't present to sign it because they were fighting in the war (Ex: George Washington)

The second section is based on the ideas of what philosopher?

John Locke

What is the King called a Tyrant?

This is because of him ignoring colonists efforts towards peace.

The King is unfit to be _________________

the ruler of free people

What happened on June 11, 1776?

A committee is selected to write a formal declaration of the reason for independence. Members include Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.

What are grievances?

A wrong doing or offense

What happened on July 15, 1776?

Belatedly, New York delegation votes to adopt the Declaration of Independence.

Who have the colonists ended all ties with?

Britain

What happened on July 1, 1776?

Debate on Lee's resolution begins in Congress.

How would declaring independence change the course of the Revolutionary War?

Foreign nations could be enlisted to send aid to an "independent America". Also the war would change from a civil war to a war between different independent nations.

What happened on June 7, 1776?

In Congress, Richard Henry Lee introduces a resolution: "That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, free and independent states."

What happened on July 8, 1776?

In Philadelphia, the Liberty Bell rings signaling adoption by Congress of the Declaration.

What happened on August 2, 1776?

In a formal signing ceremony, fifty members of the Second Continental Congress sign the Declaration of Independence. (Other 5 people agree but are not present to sign the document because they are fighting in the war)

What are the 5 sections of the Declaration of Independence?

Introduction---Preamble The Right of the People to Control their Government Tyrannical Acts of the British King Efforts of the Colonies to Avoid Separation The Colonies are Declared Free and Independent

What does "we mutually pledge to each other our, Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor." mean?

It means that they are all raising this country together.

What does it mean to submit facts to the candid world?

It means to justify the reasons they want to break away.

What is the meaning of the Preamble?

It was stating the purpose of the document, intentions of separating, and the outlines of a perfect government.

Who are they referring to when they say "He Has"?

King George III

What are the 3 unalienable rights listed on the document?

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

What colony was the last to vote for the declaration?

New York

Why would the colonists want to submit facts to the candid world?

So that other countries know that they are independent and that they could use some aid/ help.

What happened on July 4, 1776?

The Declaration of Independence is adopted by twelve of the thirteen delegations. Again, New York abstains. On this date, only John Hancock signs the Declaration.

Who do the colonists ask to judge their intentions behind this document?

The Supreme Judge of the world (God)

What is in the section of "Tyrannical Acts of the British King"?

There is a list of 27 offenses or wrongs of the king in this section.

Who are they referring to when they say "All men are created equal"?

They are only referring to all wealthy white men who are land owners. (aka themselves)

According to the document when can the people "Abolish" the government and "institute" another one?

They can do it when the government becomes destructive of the people's rights. (When the government doesn't protect the people's rights)

Where does the government get the power to govern?

They get it from the consent of the governed, and that means that the government gets its power from the people whom they govern over.

What powers do these "Free and Independent States" have?

They have the full power to levy (start) wars, conclude peace, make treaties (end wars), contract Alliances, establish Commerce (trade), and other independent states powers.

What was the goal of most patriots during the beginning of the Revolutionary War?

They hoped to gain back their rights as British subjects.

How did the colonists try to avoid separation?

They sent petitions of redress (aka they were trying to restore peace with the British)

Why is July 4th, 1776 such an important date out of all those listed in the timetable?

This is because it is when 12 out of 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. It is when America became independent.

Why do you think the declaration of independence needed to be written?

This is so everyone around the world knows that America is now independent and that they can send them some aid.

What happened on July 2, 1776?

Twelve delegations vote to adopt Lee's resolution. New York delegation abstains. The Declaration of Independence is read in Congress and debate begins on the document. Wording of the document is of special concern. (The issue of slavery "All men are created equal")

Define Unalienable Rights

Unalienable Rights - Rights that are unable to be taken away, given from birth by our Creator (God)

What do the colonists call their new country?

United States of America