Declaration of Independence: Understanding America's Founding

NAME

What philosophical idea most significantly influenced Thomas Jefferson's thinking about government?

• John Locke's natural rights theory
• Absolute monarchy
• Divine right of kings
• Military conquest

Why did the Committee of Five form on June 11, 1776?

• To collect taxes
• To negotiate with King George III
• To draft a formal statement explaining colonial independence
• To plan a military strategy

What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

• To persuade different groups about colonial independence
• To create a new currency
• To start a war
• To establish a permanent army

Which philosophical movement heavily influenced the ideas in the Declaration of Independence?

• Romanticism
• Renaissance
• Enlightenment
• Industrial Revolution

What were the four key principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence?

• Trade, diplomacy, taxation, representation
• Colonial unity, religious tolerance, economic independence, military strategy
• Military strength, economic power, territorial expansion, religious freedom
• Equality, inalienable rights, government's purpose, consent of the governed

Why did Congress remove references to slavery from the original draft?

• Slavery was not an important issue
• They wanted to maintain national unity
• They supported slavery
• King George III demanded it

What significant limitation existed in the Declaration's statement 'All men are created equal'?

• It meant everyone had identical abilities
• It was a literal biological statement
• It applied only to wealthy landowners
• It did not include enslaved people, women, or minorities

What was the primary motivation for the colonists to seek independence?

• Desire for territorial expansion
• Economic wealth
• Denial of basic rights as British citizens
• Religious freedom

What did John Locke believe about government's fundamental purpose?

• To enforce religious doctrine
• To expand territorial control
• To protect people's natural rights
• To collect taxes