The Declaration of Independence Quiz

Declaration of Independence Overview

• The body of the Declaration acts as an implied plan, outlining necessary changes to laws and practices.
• The main action called for is the establishment of self-government for the United States.

Influence of Enlightenment Ideas

• John Locke, a key Enlightenment philosopher, emphasized natural rights entitled to all individuals.
• The preamble states that all people are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights," including Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

Rights and Self-Governance

• The Declaration aimed to terminate British rule and grant citizens the right to self-govern.
• It references the government's responsibility in safeguarding the natural rights of people, as seen in modern protests for climate justice.

Grievances Against British Rule

• A grievance in the Declaration highlights restrictions on trade, which primarily benefited the British Crown.
• This grievance illustrates the colonies' economic struggles under British restrictions.

Principles of New Government

• The preamble outlines foundational principles for the new government, specifically a social contract as a guiding philosophy.
• The social contract basis reinforces the idea that government derives its power from the consent of the governed.

Historical Context

• Growing public support for independence played a crucial role in leading the Second Continental Congress to declare independence.
• Tensions escalated, resulting in conflicts such as skirmishes between British troops and colonial militias, prompting influential writings like Thomas Paine's "Common Sense."

Role of the Second Continental Congress

• The Second Continental Congress served as the assemblage of leaders tasked with drafting and creating the Declaration of Independence.