American History: Declaration of Independence
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Questions and Answers

What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

  • To declare the colonies as independent states (correct)
  • To establish a centralized government
  • To outline the Articles of Confederation
  • To negotiate peace with King George

Which notable figure was appointed to draft the Declaration of Independence?

  • Thomas Jefferson (correct)
  • John Adams
  • Benjamin Franklin
  • George Washington

What was a significant compromise made during the drafting of the Declaration of Independence?

  • Limiting the rights of the states
  • The removal of a passage condemning slavery (correct)
  • The inclusion of women’s rights
  • A shift in language toward monarchy

What type of government was established under the Articles of Confederation?

<p>A confederation of individual states (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When did the Articles of Confederation come into effect?

<p>1781 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what year did King George III recognize the United States as an independent nation?

<p>1783 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue did the newly established government under the Articles face?

<p>Inefficiency and disagreement between states (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

<p>The approval of a new constitution (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which document formed the initial governing law for the newly independent states?

<p>The Articles of Confederation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main focus of Jefferson's argument in the Declaration of Independence?

<p>To protect individual rights (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Second Continental Congress

A gathering of representatives from the thirteen American colonies, formed in May 1775, to coordinate a response to British policies. It played a crucial role in leading the colonies towards independence.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring that the thirteen American colonies were independent from British rule. It was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and outlined the colonists' grievances against the British government.

Thomas Jefferson

The primary author of the Declaration of Independence, he was a prominent advocate for independence and a key figure in the formation of the United States government.

Natural Rights

Rights inherent to all individuals from birth, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are believed to be universal and inalienable.

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Articles of Confederation

The first government established by the newly independent United States. It was a loose confederation of states, with limited power for the central government.

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Confederation

A system of government where individual states retain significant autonomy and authority, with a weak central government.

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Constitutional Convention

A gathering of delegates from twelve of the thirteen states that met in Philadelphia in 1787 to revise the Articles of Confederation, but ultimately created a new Constitution for the United States.

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Ineffective Government under the Articles

The Articles of Confederation lacked a strong national government, leading to problems like disputes between states, an inability to effectively enforce laws, and economic instability.

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Recognition of Independence (1783)

The formal acknowledgment by Great Britain that the United States of America was an independent nation after the American Revolutionary War.

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Revolutionary Process

The ongoing struggle for independence and political reform that began in the 1760s and continued throughout the American Revolution. It led to the establishment of a new government system based on a constitution.

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Study Notes

Second Continental Congress

  • Patriots called for a Second Continental Congress in May.
  • George Washington was made commander of the new Continental Army.
  • Congress sent a peace proposal to King George.

Declaration of Independence

  • Congress formed committees to handle important tasks.
  • Five delegates wrote the Declaration of Independence.
  • Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration.
  • Jefferson convinced colonists of the need for independence.
  • Included ideas of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.
  • Governments exist to protect rights, not infringe on them.
  • Colonists' rights were taken, so separation from Britain was necessary.

Debate and Compromise

  • Congress debated Jefferson's points.
  • Strong words against slavery were removed.
  • Other compromises occurred.
  • Declaration of Independence approved on July 4, 1776
  • Washington's army fought in the war

Articles of Confederation

  • In 1781, British troops surrendered.
  • Congress approved the Articles of Confederation.
  • Document outlining government for the colonies.
  • The United States was created as a confederation of separate states.
  • States held more power than a central government.

Recognition of Independence

  • King George recognized the nation's independence in 1783.
  • The newly formed government had issues with states not agreeing.

Revolution's Conclusion

  • The revolution ended.
  • Constitutional Convention happened in 1787 to create the new system of government.

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Description

This quiz explores the Second Continental Congress, the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and the early debates over its contents. Learn about the key figures involved and the pivotal moments that led to America's quest for independence. Test your knowledge on the impacts of these historical events on the formation of the United States.

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