Declaration of Independence: 18th Century Writing

What does the phrase "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal" mean?

• It means that everyone is born with the same physical abilities.

• It means that everyone has the same rights and should be treated equally.

• It means that everyone should have the same amount of money.

• It means that everyone should have the same job opportunities.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What is meant by "governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed"?

• Governments are chosen by a few powerful individuals.

• Governments get their power from the people they govern.

• Governments are always fair and just.

• Governments are created by divine intervention.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What does the phrase "should declare the causes which impel them to the separation" suggest?

• The colonists should list reasons for staying united.

• The colonists should explain why they want to separate.

• The colonists should ignore the reasons for separation.

• The colonists should ask for more time to decide.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What is implied by "a long train of abuses and usurpations" by the king?

• The king has been fair and just.

• The king has repeatedly mistreated and overstepped his authority.

• The king has been absent from his duties.

• The king has been generous and kind.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What does "a design to reduce [people] under absolute despotism" mean?

• A plan to give people more freedom.

• A plan to make people completely dependent on the king.

• A plan to create a fair government.

• A plan to improve people's living conditions.

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

What is the meaning of "quartering large bodies of armed troops among us"?

• Allowing soldiers to live in people's homes without permission.

• Training soldiers in public areas.

• Building military bases in remote areas.

• Recruiting local people into the army.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

What does "transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation and tyranny" imply?

• Bringing in foreign soldiers to help with construction.

• Hiring foreign soldiers to oppress and control the people.

• Inviting foreign soldiers for a peace mission.

• Training foreign soldiers in local military tactics.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What is meant by "He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us"?

• He has encouraged peaceful protests.

• He has incited rebellions within the colonies.

• He has promoted cultural exchanges.

• He has supported local businesses.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

What does "free and independent states... have full power to contract alliances" mean?

• States can form partnerships with other countries.

• States must remain isolated from other countries.

• States can only trade with neighboring countries.

• States should avoid any foreign relations.

Tags

CCSS.RF.3.3B

CCSS.RF.3.3C

CCSS.RF.3.3D

CCSS.RF.4.3A

CCSS.RF.5.3A

What is the significance of the phrase "unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"?

• These rights can be taken away by the government.

• These rights are fundamental and cannot be taken away.

• These rights are only for certain groups of people.

• These rights are optional and can be ignored.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3