1.
The cry of the colonists in the days leading up to the outbreak of the American Revolution was centered around what key phrase?
Correct Answer
A. "no taxation without representation"
Explanation
The correct answer is "no taxation without representation." This phrase captures the main grievance of the colonists towards the British government. They believed that they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no representation or voice. This slogan became a rallying cry for the colonists and reflected their desire for political autonomy and fair representation in decision-making processes.
2.
Complete the following analogyThomas Paine: __________Thomas Jefferson: _____________
Correct Answer
B. Common Sense: Declaration of Independence
Explanation
The analogy is based on the relationship between Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson and the works they are known for. Thomas Paine wrote "Common Sense," a pamphlet that argued for American independence from Britain. Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote the "Declaration of Independence," which declared the American colonies' independence from Britain. Therefore, the correct answer is "Common Sense: Declaration of Independence" because both Paine and Jefferson played significant roles in advocating for American independence through their respective works.
3.
Common Sense encouraged colonists to think about...
Correct Answer
C. Independence
Explanation
Common sense encouraged colonists to think about independence because it argued for the idea that the American colonies should break away from British rule and establish their own independent nation. The pamphlet, "Common Sense," written by Thomas Paine in 1776, was widely read and influential in shaping public opinion and rallying support for the American Revolution. It presented arguments against monarchy and advocated for the principles of self-governance and individual rights, ultimately leading many colonists to embrace the idea of independence.
4.
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
C. Thomas Jefferson
Explanation
Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. He was chosen by the Continental Congress to draft the document, which outlined the reasons for the American colonies' separation from Britain. Jefferson's eloquent writing style and his strong belief in individual rights and liberties made him the ideal candidate for this important task. His contributions to the Declaration of Independence solidified his place in history as one of the founding fathers of the United States.
5.
What fundamental political idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence?
Correct Answer
A. A government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown
Explanation
The correct answer is that a government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown. This idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which states that when a government becomes destructive and fails to protect the natural rights of its citizens, the people have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government that will secure their rights. This principle reflects the belief in popular sovereignty and the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed.
6.
The concept of natural rights was included in the Declaration of Independence- influenced from John Locke.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The concept of natural rights, influenced by John Locke, was indeed included in the Declaration of Independence. This document, written by Thomas Jefferson, states that all individuals are entitled to certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are considered natural and inherent to every human being, and their protection is one of the primary purposes of government. The inclusion of this concept in the Declaration of Independence reflects the influence of John Locke's ideas on the founding fathers of the United States.
7.
The Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for democratic thinking.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, serves as a cornerstone document for democratic thinking. It outlined the fundamental principles of individual rights, equality, and government by consent. The document's emphasis on the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed and that people have the right to alter or abolish oppressive governments provided a strong philosophical basis for democratic ideals. Therefore, it can be concluded that the Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for democratic thinking.
8.
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."This quote came from which document?
Correct Answer
B. Declaration of Independence
Explanation
The correct answer is the Declaration of Independence. This quote is a famous excerpt from the opening paragraph of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It outlines the fundamental principles and beliefs of the American colonies and serves as a formal declaration of their intention to separate from Great Britain. The document asserts the idea that all individuals are equal and possess certain inherent rights that cannot be taken away, including the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
9.
According to the Articles of Confederation, what was the main branch of government?
Correct Answer
A. Congress
Explanation
According to the Articles of Confederation, the main branch of government was Congress. This is because the Articles of Confederation established a weak central government where the power was primarily held by the states. Congress was the only branch of government under the Articles of Confederation and had the authority to make laws, declare war, and manage foreign affairs. The President and the courts did not exist as separate branches of government during this time.
10.
Complete the analogy : Thomas Jefferson : Declaration of Independence ______________________: US Constitution
Correct Answer
C. James Madison
Explanation
The correct answer is James Madison because just like Thomas Jefferson is associated with the Declaration of Independence, James Madison is associated with the US Constitution. Madison was one of the key figures in drafting and promoting the Constitution, and he is often referred to as the "Father of the Constitution" due to his significant contributions to its creation.
11.
How many branches of government were set up in the US Constitution?
Correct Answer
C. 3
Explanation
The US Constitution established three branches of government: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch. The executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing laws, headed by the President. The legislative branch is responsible for making laws, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The judicial branch is responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring their constitutionality, led by the Supreme Court. These three branches were created to ensure a system of checks and balances, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful.
12.
What document does the US Constitution build upon?
Correct Answer
A. Declaration of Independence
Explanation
The US Constitution builds upon the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, proclaimed the thirteen American colonies as independent states and outlined the principles of individual liberty and natural rights. The Constitution, ratified in 1788, established the framework for the federal government and outlined the powers and rights of the government and its citizens. The Constitution builds upon the principles and ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence, such as the belief in equality, liberty, and the consent of the governed.
13.
John Locke believed in the concept of natural rights of the indiividual. What US document did he later help influence in our national history?
Correct Answer
C. Declaration of Independence
Explanation
John Locke's belief in the concept of natural rights, which include life, liberty, and property, greatly influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence, written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, asserts that all individuals are entitled to these natural rights and that governments are created to protect these rights. Locke's ideas on individual rights and limited government played a significant role in shaping the principles and values outlined in the Declaration of Independence, making it the correct answer.
14.
Select the best definition of revolution.
Correct Answer
A. Change
Explanation
Revolution refers to a significant and radical change in a particular system or society. It involves a complete transformation or shift from the existing state to a new one. This change can be social, political, or economic in nature and usually occurs as a result of widespread discontent or dissatisfaction with the current situation. The term "revolution" does not specifically refer to war, conflict, or independence, although these factors can sometimes be associated with revolutionary movements. Therefore, "change" is the best definition of revolution as it encompasses the broader concept of transformation.
15.
John Locke would have supported which of the following?
Correct Answer
D. Life, Liberty, Property- Natural Rights
Explanation
John Locke, a prominent philosopher during the Enlightenment, believed in the concept of natural rights. He argued that individuals are born with certain inherent rights, including the right to life, liberty, and property. Locke believed that these natural rights should be protected by the government, and that individuals should enter into social contracts with the government to ensure the preservation of these rights. Therefore, he would have supported the idea of Life, Liberty, Property- Natural Rights as the correct answer.
16.
What document is known as the "ultimate break up letter"?
Correct Answer
C. Declaration of Independence
Explanation
The Declaration of Independence is known as the "ultimate break up letter" because it is a document that formally declared the American colonies' intention to separate from British rule. It outlined the reasons for this separation and asserted the colonists' rights to establish their own independent government. The document marked a significant turning point in the American Revolution and the beginning of the United States as a sovereign nation.
17.
What famous document begins with the following words, "when in the course of human events it becomes necessary..."
Correct Answer
C. Declaration of Independence
Explanation
The correct answer is Declaration of Independence. The phrase "when in the course of human events it becomes necessary..." is the opening line of the Declaration of Independence, which was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This document declared the thirteen American colonies to be independent from British rule and asserted the rights of individuals to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is one of the most important documents in American history and a symbol of the country's fight for freedom and independence.
18.
Using the quote from number 20, if the document states that people have certain unalienable rights, what would be the best meaning of this?
Correct Answer
B. Rights can not be taken away- these are the natural rights that all people have
Explanation
The best meaning of the statement "people have certain unalienable rights" is that rights cannot be taken away from individuals as they are natural rights that all people possess. This implies that these rights are inherent and cannot be revoked or denied by any external authority. It emphasizes the fundamental and universal nature of these rights, suggesting that they are not contingent on any conditions or qualifications.
19.
What were the colonists asked to do after the French and Indian War?
Correct Answer
B. Pay for the cost of the war since they had fought in the war- war debt had doubled for England and the 13 colonies
Explanation
After the French and Indian War, the colonists were asked to pay for the cost of the war since they had fought in it. The war debt had doubled for England and the 13 colonies, so they were expected to contribute financially to help cover the expenses.
20.
The Intolerable Acts closed the port of Boston in 1774 after the events of the Boston Tea Party.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The Intolerable Acts were a series of punitive measures imposed by the British Parliament on the American colonies in response to the Boston Tea Party. One of these acts, known as the Boston Port Act, closed the port of Boston in 1774. This act aimed to isolate and punish the city of Boston for its role in the Tea Party, cutting off its trade and causing economic hardship. Therefore, the statement that the Intolerable Acts closed the port of Boston in 1774 after the events of the Boston Tea Party is true.
21.
The US Constitution has always exsisted as the basis of our laws since the Declaration of Independence was written.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because the US Constitution was not in existence at the time the Declaration of Independence was written. The Declaration of Independence was adopted in 1776, while the US Constitution was not ratified until 1788. Therefore, the Constitution could not have served as the basis of laws at the time of the Declaration of Independence.
22.
Which of the following is not part of the Declaration of Independence?(idenify the main parts)
Correct Answer
C. Revolution
Explanation
The correct answer is "revolution." The Declaration of Independence includes a preamble, which serves as an introduction to the document. It also includes a section on grievances, which lists the issues or problems with England and the King. Finally, it includes the Independence declaration, which formally declares the colonies' independence from England. However, there is no specific section or mention of a "revolution" in the Declaration of Independence.