American Revolution Government SAQ

What is the main idea of the Declaration of Independence?

• All people have unalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• Only citizens have rights to property.

• The government has absolute power over the people.

• Rights are granted by the government.

According to John Locke, what are people born with?

• Natural rights (Life, liberty, and property).

• The right to vote.

• The right to free education.

• The right to free healthcare.

Why did Jefferson include Locke’s ideas in the Declaration of Independence?

• Because the British government was passing laws taking away natural rights.

• To support the British monarchy.

• To promote economic growth.

• To encourage immigration.

What does Jefferson state about the government in the Declaration of Independence?

• People consent to be governed to protect their rights.

• The government should control all aspects of life.

• The government should be a monarchy.

• People have no say in government matters.

What right do people have if the government breaks the social contract, according to the Declaration of Independence?

• To abolish the government and form a new one.

• To pay higher taxes.

• To move to another country.

• To follow the government without question.

What did John Locke say about a government that fails to protect its citizens?

• People have the right to overthrow it.

• People should pay more taxes.

• People should ignore the government.

• People should support the government regardless.

What were the Intolerable Acts and other tax acts are examples of?

• What the government should not do.

• Fair taxation.

• Support for the colonists.

• Encouragement of trade.

Why were the colonists angry about the Stamp Act?

• It required all paper documents to have a stamp paid for by colonists.

• It allowed free trade.

• It reduced taxes on goods.

• It supported local businesses.

What was a major grievance of the colonists regarding representation?

• No representation in parliament.

• Too much representation in local councils.

• Overrepresentation in the British government.

• Equal representation in all matters.

The Townshend Act created more taxes and a group to stop smuggling.

What did the Townshend Act lead to in Boston?

• Uprisings and the Boston Massacre.

• Peaceful negotiations.

• Economic prosperity.

• Increased trade with Britain.