The Declaration of Independence

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

the right to self-govern

As the colonies moved toward independence, the First Continental Congress was created in

1774.

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.

What conclusion about unalienable rights can best be drawn from the excerpt?

People do not always agree about what rights everyone should have.

How do the protestors with the signs saying "A livable planet is an unalienable right" and "Life, liberty, property" use the Declaration of Independence to express an opinion?

The signs reference the role of the government in protecting the natural rights of the people.

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 type of rights did the colonists who drafted the Declaration of Independence most want to protect?

inalienable

Which had the greatest influence in prompting the Second Continental Congress to declare independence?

increased open public support for independence

The Declaration of Independence refers to the Rights of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness as being unalienable. What does unalienable mean?

indisputable

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

the Preamble

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

Which best describes the main action called for by the Declaration of Independence?

to give the United States the power of self-government