Question

Question 1(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)

Which describes why the Declaration of Independence was written?

To justify separating from Great Britain
To form a new government with Great Britain
To create laws to protect the rights of colonists
To enforce laws established by the British government
Question 2(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
Why is the Declaration of Independence considered a revolutionary document?

It states the colonies are separating from British rule.
Fifty-six colonial representatives voted to approve it.
George Washington, a future president, signed it.
It addresses King George III directly.
Question 3(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
"No man was a warmer wisher for reconciliation than myself, before the ... (Massacre at Lexington), but the moment the event of that day was made known, I rejected the hardened, sullen tempered Pharaoh of Britain forever; … that … can unfeelingly hear of their slaughter, and … sleep with their blood upon his soul." – Thomas Paine, Common Sense

In this excerpt, how does Paine explain his support for the Declaration of Independence to his readers?

Paine describes his hopes for reconciliation with Britain.
Paine claims that the king considers himself a pharaoh.
Paine describes his anger over the king's lack of response to Lexington.
Paine claims the temper of the king is too sullen for him to rule the colonies.
Question 4(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
"Every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual. Our prayers have been rejected with disdain; and only tended to convince us, that nothing flatters vanity, or confirms obstinacy in Kings more than repeated petitioning—and nothing hath contributed more than that very measure to make the Kings of Europe absolute." – Thomas Paine, Common Sense

How did this excerpt motivate colonists to support the creation of the Declaration of Independence?

By reminding them that King George is in charge
By reminding them that King George refuses to respond to their requests
By pointing out the important contributions they have made to Britain
By pointing out times when peaceful methods have worked to resolve conflict
Question 5(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
"Our properties within our own territories shall [not] be taxed or regulated by any power on earth but our own." – Thomas Jefferson, July 1774

Based on this quote, which complaint in the Declaration of Independence would Jefferson agree with?

Taking away religious rights
Persecuting immigrant groups
Regulating individual rights
Taxing without representation
Question 6(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
George Washington wrote the following words in a letter to a friend.

"The Parliament of Great Britain hath no more right to put their hands into my pocket without my consent than I have to put my hands into yours for money."

Based on this excerpt, which grievance in the Declaration of Independence would Washington agree with?

King's refusal to approve laws
Limitations on trade
Abolishing charters
Taxation without consent
Question 7(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
What concerns did colonists have related to representation in Parliament?

They did not have a say in laws or taxes that were passed.
They boycotted British goods and services.
They paid high taxes on sugar, tea, and stamps.
They kept soldiers in their homes as guests.
Question 8(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
What did the authors of the Declaration of Independence mean by "unalienable rights?"

Rights for legal citizens and not immigrants
Natural rights that no government can take away
Rights that are separate for loyal British citizens
Natural rights only for the signers of the document
Question 9(Multiple Choice Worth 3 points)
Thomas Jefferson identified which rights as "unalienable rights" in the Declaration of Independence?

Peace, security, and equality
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Safety, happiness, and prudence
Lives, fortunes, and sacred honor

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence was crafted to justify the separation from Great Britain, citing taxation without representation and other grievances as key reasons. Thomas Paine's writings bolstered support for independence by criticizing King George's disregard for colonial petitions. Unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were foundational concepts penned by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration.

Step-by-step explanation:

Explanation to the Declaration of Independence Questions

The Declaration of Independence was written to justify separating from Great Britain. This revolutionary document is considered so because it states the colonies are separating from British rule, celebrating a pivotal moment in sovereignty and human rights. Thomas Paine in his work, Common Sense, explains his support for the declaration by describing his anger over the king's lack of response to Lexington, which demonstrated the king's tyranny and justified the need for independence. Paine also motivated colonists to support the creation of the Declaration of Independence by highlighting King George's refusal to respond to their petitions for peace and justice, thereby sustaining tyranny. Thomas Jefferson, in his 1774 quote, echoes these grievances, indicating a concern about being taxed without representation. Similarly, George Washington's letter reflects this grievance, stressing the principle that taxation required the consent of the taxed, which was not the case under British rule.

Colonists' concerns about representation in Parliament centered around not having a say in the laws or taxes that were passed. The authors of the Declaration of Independence believed in "unalienable rights," which are natural rights that no government should be able to take away. Thomas Jefferson identified these rights as 'life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.'

Answer 2

Peace, security, and equality

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

Safety, happiness, and prudence

Lives, fortunes, and sacred honor

Step-by-step explanation: