Declaration of Independence Quiz

What effect did Common Sense have in the colonies?

• It persuaded many colonists that America should be independent.
• It instilled fear of war in the colonies.
• It convinced the colonies to remain loyal to Great Britain.
• It petitioned the king to end the quarrel between the colonies and Great Britain.

What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition?

• to ask King George to make peace with the colonies.
• to persuade British troops to leave Boston.
• to encourage colonists to join the army.
• to convince Parliament to repeal the Stamp Act.

Why was the Declaration of Independence written?

• to explain why the colonies were separating from Great Britain
• the start the American Revolution
• to offer a peace settlement to Great Britain.
• to instruct how a county wins its freedom.

How do natural rights, as described in the Declaration of Independence, differ from other rights?

• People are born with natural rights.
• People can vote to choose natural rights
• Natural rights are given only to citizens.
• Natural rights come from the government.

According to Thomas Jefferson, the power to rule comes from____________.

• the governed.
• God
• Parliament.
• the king.

Why did Thomas Jefferson say that King George III was an unfit ruler?

• He denied the colonists their rights.
• He was not born in Great Britain
• He was not elected by Parliament
• He lived far away from the colonies.

Which statement best describes the role of government according to the Declaration of Independence?

• “The main purpose of government is to expand and glorify the state”
• “The main purpose of government is to protect the unalienable rights of individuals”
• “The main purpose of government is to protect the rights and privileges of His Majesty, the King”
• “The main purpose of government is to promote the general welfare of the community by taking steps toward social equality”

 Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• Benjamin Franklin
• James Madison
• Thomas Edison
• Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson when writing the Declaration of Independence, was inspired by this famous Enlightenment philosopher?

• William Penn

• Roger Sherman

• John Locke

• Robert Livingston

What was the date that the Declaration of Independence was signed?

• July 4, 1776
• July 2, 1776
• July 4, 1787
• July 2, 1775