The 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 refers to natural rights? "Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." "[I]t is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security." "[T]hey are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
"[T]hey are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."
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. He believed Parliament did not understand the needs of the American people. He believed British laws could not be enforced from a distance. He believed the size of the colonies made them impossible for Britain to rule.
He believed the king would only approve laws that benefited Britain.
Was the Declaration of Independence intended to be a formal declaration of war? Why or why not? Yes. Though fighting preceded the writing, it was intended to be a formal declaration of war. No. The war started a year before the Declaration of Independence was written. Yes. The Declaration of Independence formally united the militias of the individual colonies. No. There was no need to declare war, as this power had yet to be established.
No. The war started a year before the Declaration of Independence was written.
Read the quotation from the Declaration of Independence. "For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world." Which reason best explains why this grievance was included in the Declaration? The colonists could not get goods without the Crown's permission. The colonists could export goods only to Britain. The British closed ports to punish the colonies. Trade focused on generating income for the Crown only.
The British closed ports to punish the colonies.
Why were taxes an ongoing source of conflict for the American colonists? They did not get sufficient government services. They paid a higher tax rate than those living in England. They were taxed without having representation in Parliament. They felt the taxes should be invested in colonial infrastructure.
They were taxed without having representation in Parliament.
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 the end of taxation without representation the removal of the British military a need for equality regardless of race or gender
a government based on a social contract
Which had the greatest influence in prompting the Second Continental Congress to declare independence? the battles of Lexington and Concord King George III's rejection of peaceful reconciliation financial support from France and Spain increased open public support for independence
increased open public support for independence
What event prompted the formation of the First Continental Congress? the Boston Massacre the Boston Tea Party the battles of Lexington and Concord the publication of Thomas Paine's Common Sense
the Boston Tea Party
In which section of the Declaration of Independence is the purpose of government described? the Preamble the body the conclusion the grievances
the Preamble
The Declaration of Independence intended to end British rule in the colonies, and grant citizens the right to freedom of speech the right to self-govern the ability to live without a government the ability to vote for a president
the right to self-govern
