The Declaration of Independence Flashcards

Questions and Answers

A purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to explain.

The problems the colonists had with British rule. (correct)

The reasons colonists formed the Continental Congress.

Why some colonists refused to boycott British goods.

Why the colonies had the Boston Tea Party.

The English Bill of Rights, which influenced the Declaration of Independence, established the idea that.

The power of kings and queens was limited. (correct)

People have no right to free speech.

Only the chosen leader should make laws.

A government should not hold free elections.

Who is considered the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

The Declaration of Independence described the.

Principles of a new government. Signup and view all the answers

Colonists felt the increased taxes in the 1760s and 1770s violated which document?

The English Bill of Rights. Signup and view all the answers

The committee charged with writing the Declaration of Independence reviewed the original draft and.

Made changes to it. Signup and view all the answers

One idea shared by the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence was that all men.

Were equal under the law. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement describes the Enlightenment idea of a social contract as it influenced the Declaration of Independence?

A social contract decides the relationship between rulers and citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What idea from the Mayflower Compact influenced the Declaration of Independence?

Government should be for the common good, not just for a few people. Signup and view all the answers

How did Common Sense influence the Declaration of Independence?

By introducing many of the ideas the Declaration later expressed. Signup and view all the answers

How was the Declaration of Independence different from previous documents prepared by colonists?

It committed the colonies to being independent. Signup and view all the answers

Colonists used the phrase 'No taxation without representation' to suggest that.

They should have a representative in Parliament. Signup and view all the answers

What occurred on July 4, 1776?

The American colonies declared their independence. Signup and view all the answers

The Second Continental Congress voted twice on the Declaration of Independence because.

Several colonies did not vote the first time. Signup and view all the answers

The Tea Act of 1773 angered colonists because it.

Favored a British company over colonial merchants. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of the Declaration of Independence

Explained colonists' grievances against British rule.
Provided reasons for the formation of the Continental Congress.
Clarified the principles guiding the establishment of a new government.

Influence of the English Bill of Rights

Established the idea of limited power for monarchs.
Set a precedent for individual rights and government accountability.

Primary Author

Thomas Jefferson is recognized as the main author of the Declaration of Independence.

Principles of Government

The Declaration emphasized fundamental principles underlining the new government.
Advocated for equality and governance based on consent.

Colonial Taxation Issues

Colonists believed increased taxes violated the English Bill of Rights.
Led to widespread dissent and mobilization against British policies.

Committee's Review Process

The drafting committee made changes to the original Declaration before presentation.

Equality Principle

Both the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence asserted that all men are equal under the law.

Introduced the concept that a social contract defines the relationship between rulers and citizens.

Influence of the Mayflower Compact

It emphasized that government should work for the common good of the populace.

Impact of Common Sense

Introduced many ideas that were later included in the Declaration of Independence.

Declaration's Uniqueness

Unlike earlier documents, it committed the colonies to independence from Britain.

Taxation Without Representation

The phrase encapsulated colonists' demand for a representative in Parliament.

Historical Significance of July 4, 1776

Marked the day American colonies formally declared their independence.

Voting Process at the Second Continental Congress

The Congress voted twice on the Declaration to address the positions of dissenting colonies.

Reaction to the Tea Act of 1773

Colonists were angered due to favoritism shown towards a British company over local merchants, escalating tensions leading to revolution.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

Test your knowledge on the key concepts and significance of the Declaration of Independence with these flashcards. Each card explores important ideas, historical contexts, and influences that shaped this foundational American document.