The Declaration of Independence Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does independence mean?

Freedom from being ruled by someone else.

What was a colonist called who wanted freedom from King George III?

A Patriot

What did Patrick Henry, a patriot, say in a speech?

Give me liberty or give me death!

What was Thomas Paine's pamphlet called and what did it say?

It was called Common Sense. It said that King George treated colonies unfairly and the only thing for colonies to do was to become independent. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Richard Henry Lee?

He was a Virginia delegate that asked Congress to officially declare independence on June 7, 1776. Signup and view all the answers

What is a declaration?

It is a statement that declares or announces an idea. Signup and view all the answers

What did Thomas Jefferson write about in the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson wrote that all people are born with rights. The right to be free, the right to live, etc. Jefferson argued that a government should protect these rights. If it doesn't, then the people have a right to start a new government. Signup and view all the answers

What are rights?

Rights are freedoms that are protected by a government's laws. Signup and view all the answers

How did King George not protect the colonists' rights?

One example was that King George had taxed the colonists and sent soldiers to control them. Signup and view all the answers

Were these ideas about governments serving the people new?

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the Declaration of Independence?

The declaration sets forth basic ideas of freedom and equality. Signup and view all the answers

What happened on July 4, 1776?

The Second Continental Congress voted to accept the declaration. Signup and view all the answers

What is treason?

Treason is the crime of fighting against one's own government. Signup and view all the answers

Why was signing the declaration dangerous?

Britain would call the delegates who signed it traitors and could hang them. Signup and view all the answers

What was different in 1776 in the words 'all men are created equal' from today?

In 1776, all colonists could not exercise the same rights. Only white men who owned property could vote. Signup and view all the answers

Who was a woman who fought for equal rights?

Abigail Adams. John Adams' wife. Signup and view all the answers

Answer yes or no to the two questions below. 1.) Does the declaration state that everyone has certain rights? 2.) Can a government take away those rights?

Yes and no Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Independence and Patriots

Independence refers to freedom from external rule or control.
Colonists desiring freedom from King George III were known as Patriots.

Notable Speeches and Pamphlets

Patrick Henry famously declared, "Give me liberty or give me death!"
Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, argued that King George treated the colonies unfairly and advocated for independence.

Key Figures and their Actions

Richard Henry Lee, a Virginia delegate, proposed the official declaration of independence to Congress on June 7, 1776.

Declaration of Independence

A declaration is a formal statement announcing a particular idea or principle.
Congress needed a document to formally announce the colonies' independence from British rule.

Jefferson's Contributions

Thomas Jefferson highlighted in the Declaration that all people are born with rights, including the right to freedom and life.
The Declaration asserts that a government must protect these rights, and if it fails, the people are entitled to establish a new government.

Understanding Rights

Rights are freedoms guaranteed and protected under government law.
King George violated the colonists' rights by imposing taxes and deploying soldiers to control them.

Historical Context

The principles of government accountability and rights protection were not novel; thinkers like John Locke had advocated similar ideas.
The Declaration of Independence outlines fundamental concepts of freedom and equality.

Signing the Declaration

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration.
Signing the Declaration was perilous; delegates risked being termed traitors by Britain, with potential for execution.

Societal Implications

The phrase "all men are created equal" in 1776 did not imply equal rights for all, as only white male property owners were allowed to vote.
Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, was a notable advocate for equal rights.

Rights Affirmation

The Declaration asserts that everyone possesses certain rights and that a government cannot infringe upon them.

Common Sense Influence

Common Sense played a significant role in shifting public opinion towards independence.

Comparing Common Sense and the Declaration

Both works advocated for freedom and independence but differed in their approach and audience.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key terms and definitions related to The Declaration of Independence. This quiz features important words associated with American independence, including notable figures and their contributions. Gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and significance of this foundational document.