Questions and Answers
Which statement describes a natural right?
The rights that cannot, or should not, be taken away.
What event prompted the formation of the First Continental Congress?
The Boston Tea Party.
As the colonies moved toward independence, the First Continental Congress was created in?
What was the result of a conflict between British troops and a colonial militia in Massachusetts?
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Which had the greatest influence in prompting the Second Continental Congress to declare independence?
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What principle does the preamble to the Declaration of Independence outline regarding government?
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Which quotation from the preamble to the Declaration of Independence enshrines natural rights?
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In which section of the Declaration of Independence is the purpose of government described?
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What does 'unalienable' mean in the context of rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence?
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Why were taxes an ongoing source of conflict for the American colonists?
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Study Notes
Natural Rights
- Natural rights are inherent and should not be taken away from individuals.
Formation of the First Continental Congress
- The First Continental Congress was prompted by the Boston Tea Party, a significant protest against British taxation.
Year of First Continental Congress
- The First Continental Congress was established in 1774 as tensions escalated between the colonies and British authorities.
Influence of Thomas Paine
- The publication of "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine arose from conflicts between British troops and colonial militias, shaping public opinion toward independence.
Factors Leading to Second Continental Congress
- Increased open public support for independence had the greatest impact in motivating the Second Continental Congress to declare independence from Britain.
Principles in the Declaration of Independence
- The preamble outlines foundational principles, including a government operating on a social contract between the governed and the governing entities.
John Locke's Influence
- Philosopher John Locke's ideas influenced the American push for independence; he emphasized that every individual is entitled to natural rights, illustrated in the Declaration's reference to these rights as "unalienable."
Purpose of Government
- The introduction of the Declaration of Independence specifies the intended purpose of government, establishing its foundational role.
Definition of Unalienable Rights
- "Unalienable" refers to rights that cannot be surrendered, emphasizing their inherent nature as human rights.
Taxation and Representation Conflict
- American colonists viewed taxes imposed by the British government as unjust due to their lack of representation in Parliament, leading to ongoing tensions and conflict.
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Description
Test your knowledge on key concepts of The Declaration of Independence with these flashcards. Explore important events, natural rights, and the significance of the First Continental Congress. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of American historical documents.
