The Declaration of Independence Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What primarily caused friction between the British government and its North American colonies?

  • Cultural differences
  • Taxation without representation (correct)
  • Religious conflicts
  • Territorial disputes

What development prompted the delegates to the First Continental Congress to believe reconciliation with Great Britain was impossible?

  • The signing of the Treaty of Paris
  • The Stamp Act
  • The Boston Tea Party
  • The Intolerable Acts (correct)

How did the French and Indian War financial situation affect the colonies?

  • It resulted in Britain expecting the colonies to help pay the war debt. (correct)
  • It caused a decrease in British military presence.
  • It led to independence movements in Canada.
  • It diminished British interest in American territories.

Which event directly followed the Boston Massacre in 1770?

<p>The Tea Act (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of the Stamp Act introduced in 1765?

<p>It marked the first direct tax on the colonies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did the Second Continental Congress take on July 4, 1776?

<p>Adopted the Declaration of Independence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What legislative body held its first meeting in September 1774?

<p>The First Continental Congress (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which conflict is often considered the start of the Revolutionary War?

<p>The Battles of Lexington and Concord (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical justification does Jefferson offer for declaring independence?

<p>All men are created equal. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What rights does Jefferson specifically mention in the Declaration?

<p>Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence regarding King George?

<p>To list violations of the colonists' rights. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle does Jefferson associate with the idea of citizens overthrowing their government?

<p>Only in the worst circumstances. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which Enlightenment philosopher significantly influenced Jefferson?

<p>John Locke. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does popular sovereignty refer to in the Declaration?

<p>Government authority derives from the people's consent. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What document was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in November 1777?

<p>The Articles of Confederation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the Declaration emphasize regarding government and citizens' rights?

<p>Governments exist to protect fundamental rights. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary fear of the document's authors regarding government structure?

<p>An overly powerful monarchy (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did the authors believe democracy would function better at a certain level?

<p>It ensures local representation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which structure did the Articles of Confederation establish for the legislature?

<p>Unicameral legislature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What requirement did the Articles of Confederation mandate for amending the Articles?

<p>Unanimous approval (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major weakness did the government under the Articles of Confederation endure?

<p>Ability to levy taxes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one function that the national government could perform under the Articles of Confederation?

<p>Conduct foreign affairs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which description best summarizes the Articles of Confederation’s government structure?

<p>Weak central government (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which essential department was missing in the government under the Articles of Confederation?

<p>Judicial department (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue arising from the inability of the national government to regulate tariffs?

<p>Each state developed its own set of tariffs, leading to disputes. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What problem arose from each state printing its own currency?

<p>It caused inflation and lack of trust in the currency. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What event highlighted the weaknesses of the national government under the Articles of Confederation?

<p>Shays's Rebellion. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the delegates at the Constitutional Convention?

<p>To replace the Articles of Confederation entirely. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one major consequence of lacking an executive branch under the Articles of Confederation?

<p>There was no mechanism to implement or enforce laws. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the ratification of the Constitution signify in 1788?

<p>The establishment of a new governing document for the United States. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did high unemployment influence Shays's Rebellion?

<p>It aggravated economic distress among farmers, prompting rebellion. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a crucial factor in the chaotic situation under the Articles of Confederation?

<p>The inability to enforce legislative decisions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring the American colonies' separation from Great Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first attempt at a unified government in the newly independent United States.

French and Indian War

A war between Great Britain and France in North America.

Stamp Act

A British law requiring colonists to pay taxes on printed materials.

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Boston Tea Party

A protest by colonists against the Tea Act, dumping tea into Boston Harbor.

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Intolerable Acts

A series of laws passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party.

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First Continental Congress

A meeting of representatives from the colonies to address grievances against Britain.

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American Revolution

The war of independence from British rule for the 13 colonies.

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Articles of Confederation Weakness

The Articles of Confederation had significant flaws making the central government too weak to effectively govern. This made it difficult to resolve issues and enforce laws.

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Fear of Tyranny

The authors of the Articles of Confederation were wary of a powerful central government to avoid the oppression associated with an autocratic monarchy.

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Confederation Structure

The Articles of Confederation created a governmental structure akin to that of the present-day European Union, distributing power among the states with limited central authority.

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Unicameral legislature

A single-chamber legislature with each state having a single vote to pass laws.

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National government Powers

The Articles of Confederation limited the national government's powers to managing foreign affairs, waging war, and coin money.

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Absence of Executive Branch

The Articles of Confederation lacked a dedicated executive branch to enforce and implement laws.

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Lack of Tax Power

The national government couldn't levy taxes, relying on the states for financial support, hindering its operational capabilities.

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Limited Judicial Power

The lack of a judicial branch made it hard for the national government to enforce its laws as the states had the final say in interpreting and enforcing laws.

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Natural Rights

Fundamental rights believed to belong to all people, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that are inherent and not dependent on government.

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Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the ultimate power and authority in a government rests with the people.

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Declaration of Independence - Justification

The Declaration of Independence justified the American colonists' decision for independence by citing violations of rights and arguing for the right of revolution when government infringes on natural rights.

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John Locke

An Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas on natural rights significantly influenced the Declaration of Independence.

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Second Continental Congress

The governing body of the 13 colonies during the American Revolution that adopted the Articles of Confederation.

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1777

The year the Articles of Confederation was adopted by the Second Continental Congress.

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Violation of Rights

Actions by the King of England that infringed upon the natural and traditional rights of the colonists in the colonies.

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Trade Disputes under Articles

Lack of national regulations on trade and varying state tariffs caused conflicts between states.

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National Currency Issue

Absence of a single national currency led to variations in money, causing inflation.

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Shays's Rebellion Cause

High unemployment and lack of a strong national response to economic problems fuelled a farmers' uprising.

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Need for a Central Government

Congress recognized a need for a more powerful central government to address economic issues and prevent uprisings.

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Replacing the Articles

The delegates at the Constitutional Convention decided to entirely replace the Articles of Confederation.

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US Constitution Ratification

The US Constitution was adopted by the states, becoming the new governing document in 1788.

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Weakened National Government under Articles

The national leadership under the Articles of Confederation had limited means to enforce decisions, potentially leading to state conflicts and instability.

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Economic Struggles

National economic issues combined with other issues weakened the national government.

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Study Notes

The Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation

  • Great Britain accumulated resources from the New World between 1500 and 1775.
  • Conflicts arose between the British government and its North American colonies regarding the level of British control and taxation.
  • Colonists believed they should not be taxed without representation in the British government.
  • The Second Continental Congress, convinced reconciliation was impossible, gradually shifted towards independence.

The Events Leading to Independence

  • February 10, 1763: French and Indian War concluded, leaving Britain with significant debt.
  • March 1765: The Stamp Act imposed taxes on colonies.
  • 1767-1770: The Townshend Acts imposed further taxes.
  • March 5, 1770: The Boston Massacre heightened tensions.
  • May 1773: The Tea Act led to the Boston Tea Party.
  • 1774: The Intolerable Acts (punitive measures) were enacted.
  • September 5, 1774 – October 26, 1774: The First Continental Congress met.
  • April 18, 1775 – April 19, 1775: Battles of Lexington and Concord marked the start of the American Revolutionary War.
  • May 10, 1775 – July 4, 1776: The Second Continental Congress declared independence with the Declaration of Independence.

Principles of the Declaration

  • Thomas Jefferson's declaration reflected Locke's philosophy of natural rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as inherent rights.
  • Government exists to safeguard those rights.
  • The Declaration outlined the king's abuses of these rights.
  • Delegates sought political representation, consent to taxation, and a fair trial.
  • They believed in the principles of natural rights, popular sovereignty, and order/stability.
  • Citizens should only overthrow government in dire circumstances when fundamental rights are violated.

Articles of Confederation

  • November 1777: The Second Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation.
  • This document aimed to prevent a strong central government and monarchy.
  • The Articles had a weak central government with no executive or judicial branch, relying on the states for enforcement of national laws.
  • There was no national currency and different states had varying tariffs and trade regulations.
  • This created significant disputes between states.

Weaknesses of the Articles and Shays's Rebellion

  • The national government had limited powers and couldn't collect taxes effectively.
  • The absence of a strong central government led to economic problems like high inflation and unemployment in the US.
  • This instability was highlighted by Shays's Rebellion.
  • The rebellion underscored the weaknesses of the Articles and the urgent need for a stronger central government.
  • The delegates realized the Articles needed to be replaced with a new constitution.
  • 1788: The Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation.

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Related Documents

Declaration & Articles of Confederation PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on the key events leading to the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. Explore the conflicts between Great Britain and the American colonies, including important acts and events that fueled the desire for independence. This quiz covers significant dates, legislation, and actions taken by the colonists in their fight for self-governance.

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