Lesson 6 Sections 2 and 3

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Who was tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence?

Benjamin Franklin

Thomas Jefferson (correct)

John Adams

George Washington

Jefferson believed that the authority of a government comes from God.

False

What rights did Jefferson claim everyone is entitled to?

Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness

The phrase 'We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal' is part of the _____.

Declaration of Independence Signup and view all the answers

Match the following concepts with their meanings:

Natural Rights = Basic rights everyone is entitled to by birth Consent of the Governed = The government's authority comes from the approval of the people Tyranny = Oppressive and absolute power Unalienable Rights = Rights that cannot be taken away or surrendered Signup and view all the answers

What did Jefferson think should happen if a government fails to protect people's rights?

It is right to alter or abolish it Signup and view all the answers

According to Jefferson, what had King George shown towards the rights of colonists?

No concern Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Olive Branch Petition?

To seek peace with King George III Signup and view all the answers

The majority of colonists were eager and ready to declare independence from Britain in 1775.

False Signup and view all the answers

Who published the pamphlet 'Common Sense'?

Thomas Paine Signup and view all the answers

The king declared the colonies to be in 'open and avowed ______'.

rebellion Signup and view all the answers

Match the following individuals with their contributions or roles:

John Adams = Called the Olive Branch Petition an olive branch Thomas Paine = Wrote 'Common Sense' Thomas Jefferson = Drafted a formal statement of independence King George III = Declared the colonies in rebellion Signup and view all the answers

What argument did Paine make against the colonies' ties to Great Britain?

It had led to their involvement in European wars. Signup and view all the answers

The publication of 'Common Sense' had little impact on the colonists' views about independence.

False Signup and view all the answers

What imagery did Paine use to argue for independence?

The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Olive Branch Petition

The Second Continental Congress sent a petition to King George III in July 1775, asking him to end the conflict.
The petition symbolized the colonists' hope for peace and was called an "olive branch" by John Adams, an ancient symbol of peace.
King George III declared the colonies to be in "open and avowed Rebellion" upon receiving the petition, further fueling the conflict.

Common Sense

Thomas Paine's pamphlet, "Common Sense," published in early 1776, argued against American loyalty to King George III.
Paine argued that American trade suffered under British control, and the colonies were dragged into British European wars.
He envisioned an independent America as a haven of liberty and urged Americans to resist tyranny and stand for a greater cause.

Thomas Jefferson Drafts a Declaration

The Second Continental Congress formed a committee to write a declaration of independence after the British left Boston.
Thomas Jefferson, the committee's youngest member, was tasked with drafting the Declaration of Independence.
He explained in the Declaration why the colonies chose to separate from Britain, stating the colonies' need to explain their actions to the world.

Principles for a New Government

Jefferson argued against the Loyalist belief in divine right monarchy, justifying independence based on the principle of natural rights.
He asserted that all people are born equal and possess inherent rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Jefferson stated that governments exist to protect these rights and derive their power from the consent of the governed.
He further argued that the people have the right to alter or abolish a government that fails to protect its citizens' fundamental rights.

The King's Crimes

Jefferson accused King George III of tyrannical actions against the colonies, listing numerous examples of his abuses.
He claimed that the king's policies aimed to establish an "absolute Tyranny over these States" and that he was "unfit to be the ruler of a free people."

Declaration of Independence

Jefferson declared the colonies' right to be free and independent states, emphasizing their separation from Great Britain.
He concluded that the United Colonies were "and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States," advocating for a separation based on principles of natural rights and the abuses committed by the British monarchy.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore key events and ideas from the American Revolution, including the Olive Branch Petition, Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense', and the drafting of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. This quiz highlights the pivotal moments that shaped the quest for American independence.