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The Declaration of Independence
_____1. The Declaration of Independence was drafted by a committee from the
(A) Stamp Act Congress. (B) 1st Continental Congress. (C) 2nd Continental Congress.
_____2. In the pamphlet Common Sense, Thomas Paine argued that (A) We should fight for
Independence. (B) We should negotiate with Britain. (C) We should ally with France.
_____3. The person most responsible for writing the Declaration of Independence was
(A) Benjamin Franklin (B) Thomas Jefferson
(C) George Washington
_____4. The Declaration of Independence was approved on
(A) April 19, 1775
(B) July 4, 1776
(C) November 2, 1776
_____5. Which philosopher most influenced the writers of the Declaration of Independence?
(A) Charles de Montesquieu
(B) John Locke
(C) Jean Jacques Rousseau
_____6. The purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to (A) Establish a new system of
Government
(B) Establish colonial sovereignty (C) Threaten to break away
_____7. Which list supports the principles in the Declaration of Independence?
(A) divine right, common law, taxation without representation
(B) democracy, oligarchy, autocracy
(C) liberty, limited government, representative government
_____8. Which part lists the tyrannical acts of George III? First, Middle or Last
_____9. Which part actually declares the colonies free? First, Middle or Last
____10. Which part explains why the Declaration was written? First, Middle or Last
____11. In which part are the words, “all men are created equal?” First, Middle or Last
____12. In which part are the words, “absolved from all allegiance?” First, Middle or Last
____13. In which part are the words, “it is their duty to throw off such a gov’t?” First, Middle or Last
____14. In which part are the words, “He has burned our towns, plundered our seas, and destroyed
The lives of our people?” First, Middle or Last
Short Answer:
15. Pick an idea in the first part of the Declaration that you feel are based upon John Locke’s
writings.
16. Pick an idea in the first part of the DOI that you feel are based upon Rousseau’s writings:
17. Which one of the many grievances in the middle part do you feel is the worst accusation &
why?
18. What powers does the last part of the DOI give to the new alliance now that the colonies are
free and independent?
19. How serious were these men that signed this document: What were they risking? (See the last
part of the DOI).
20. Study the names of the signers. List any you have heard of before. What do you know? If
you have not heard of any of them, why do you think that may be?