The Declaration of Independence

According to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the most common occupation of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was

• Plantation owner

• Merchant

• Lawyer

• Physician

Answer explanation

Correct - 3: 

In the Declaration of Independence, multiple grievances against King George III are related to unfair taxation and restrictions upon trade, which hit merchants and traders exceptionally hard. 

Incorrect - 1: 

Although the first draft of the Declaration criticized King George III’s involvement in the slave trade, the final copy did not include this grievance. 

Incorrect - 2: 

Clearly women played a role in supporting their husbands while they were writing the document, but their frustrations were not specifically included in the Declaration of Independence. 

Incorrect - 4: 

This choice is the wrong time period. This is a reason why several Framers did not sign the Constitution in 1787.

A British policy preceding the signing of the Declaration of Independence that inflamed plantation owners was

• Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation

• Stamp Act

• Townshend Duties

• Proclamation Line of 1763

Answer explanation

The British policy that inflamed plantation owners before the Declaration of Independence was the Stamp Act, which imposed taxes on printed materials.

The Declaration of Independence in part reflected the frustrations of signers who were

• Lawyers whose practice was restricted by British policies.

• Ministers whose preachings were censored by the British government.

• Farmers whose property was seized by British authorities.

• Merchants whose business were hindered by royal restrictions upon shipping and trade.

Answer explanation

The signers of the Declaration of Independence were frustrated because their business as merchants was hindered by royal restrictions on shipping and trade.

According to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the most common occupation of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was

• Plantation owner

• Merchant

• Lawyer

• Physician

Answer explanation

According to Figures 1 and 2, the most common occupation of the signers of the Declaration of Independence was Lawyer.

A British policy preceding the signing of the Declaration of Independence that inflamed plantation owners was:

• Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation

• Stamp Act

• Townshend Duties

• Proclamation Line of 1763

Answer explanation

The British policy that inflamed plantation owners before the Declaration of Independence was Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation.

The Declaration of Independence in part reflected the frustrations of signers who were _______.

• Lawyers whose practice was restricted by British policies.

• Ministers whose preachings were censored by the British government.

• Farmers whose property was seized by British authorities.

• Merchants whose business were hindered by royal restrictions upon shipping and trade.

Answer explanation

The signers of the Declaration of Independence were frustrated because their business as merchants was hindered by royal restrictions on shipping and trade.