Declaration Of Independence Quiz
In honor of Independence Day, the editors at The Dallas Morning News put together a quiz on the Declaration of Independence. Take the quiz and test your knowledge of our country's founding document. (SOURCES: About. Com, FunTrivia. Com, ConstitutionFacts. Com, QuizMoz. Com, Dallas Morning News research)
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is the first word of the declaration?
- A.
We
- B.
When
- C.
The
- D.
Our
Correct Answer
B. WhenExplanation
The word "When" is the first word of the declaration.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Why did Congressman John Dickinson not sign the declaration?
- A.
He was afraid of the consequences
- B.
He was ill
- C.
He was hoping for a reconciliation with Britain
- D.
He disagreed with the wording
Correct Answer
C. He was hoping for a reconciliation with BritainExplanation
Congressman John Dickinson did not sign the declaration because he was hoping for a reconciliation with Britain. This suggests that he believed that it was still possible to resolve the issues between the American colonies and Britain peacefully, without resorting to declaring independence. By not signing the declaration, Dickinson may have been expressing his desire to continue pursuing diplomatic solutions and avoid further conflict.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Copies of the declaration known as the “Dunlap Broadside” were named after John Dunlap. Who was he?
- A.
Vice president of Congress
- B.
First Librarian of Congress
- C.
An early historian
- D.
A printer
Correct Answer
D. A printerExplanation
John Dunlap was a printer. The copies of the declaration known as the "Dunlap Broadside" were named after him because he was the printer responsible for producing the first printed copies of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Where is the declaration kept today?
- A.
Library of Congress
- B.
Smithsonian
- C.
White House
- D.
National Archives
Correct Answer
D. National ArchivesExplanation
The correct answer is National Archives because it is the institution responsible for the preservation and storage of important documents and records of the United States government. It is the official repository for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, among other significant historical documents. The National Archives ensures the long-term preservation and accessibility of these important national treasures.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Of all the colonies, which state had the most signatories?
- A.
Virginia
- B.
Pennsylvania
- C.
New York
- D.
Massachusetts
Correct Answer
B. PennsylvaniaExplanation
Pennsylvania had the most signatories among all the colonies. This means that Pennsylvania had the highest number of individuals who signed a particular document or agreement.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of these men was not among those appointed to draft the declaration?
- A.
Roger Sherman
- B.
John Adams
- C.
George Washington
- D.
Benjamin Franklin
Correct Answer
C. George WashingtonExplanation
George Washington was not among those appointed to draft the declaration. The question is asking for the person who was not part of the group responsible for drafting the declaration. While Roger Sherman, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin were all appointed to draft the declaration, George Washington was not involved in this specific task.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Who was the primary author of the declaration?
- A.
John Adams
- B.
Benjamin Franklin
- C.
Thomas Jefferson
- D.
James Madison
Correct Answer
C. Thomas JeffersonExplanation
Thomas Jefferson was the primary author of the declaration because he was chosen by the Continental Congress to draft the document. Jefferson's skill as a writer and his strong belief in the principles of liberty and independence made him the ideal choice for this important task. His eloquent words and persuasive arguments helped to shape the Declaration of Independence into a powerful statement of the colonists' grievances against British rule and their desire for self-governance.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How many delegates signed the declaration?
- A.
13
- B.
29
- C.
38
- D.
56
Correct Answer
D. 56Explanation
56 delegates signed the declaration.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who said, “We must all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately”?
- A.
John Adams
- B.
Thomas Jefferson
- C.
John Hancock
- D.
Benjamin Franklin
Correct Answer
D. Benjamin FranklinExplanation
During the signing of the Declaration of Independence, tensions were high and the consequences for treason against the British crown were severe. Benjamin Franklin uttered this famous quote as a reminder to his fellow signers that they needed to stand united in their fight for independence. He emphasized that if they did not stick together, they would all face the same fate of being hanged individually. This quote highlights Franklin's understanding of the importance of unity and the dire consequences of division in their struggle for freedom.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Most of the signers actually signed the declaration on what date?
- A.
July 2
- B.
July 4
- C.
Aug. 2
- D.
Aug. 6
Correct Answer
C. Aug. 2 -
- 11.
What did Congress cut out of Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the declaration?
- A.
All references to slavery
- B.
Some references to women
- C.
A paragraph written in Latin
- D.
All references to religion
Correct Answer
A. All references to slaveryExplanation
Congress cut out all references to slavery from Thomas Jefferson's draft of the declaration. This suggests that the issue of slavery was a contentious topic and was probably removed to avoid controversy and maintain unity among the members of Congress. It also highlights the fact that the founding fathers, despite their ideals of freedom and equality, were not willing to address the issue of slavery in the declaration.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Who was king of Great Britain at the time the colonies adopted the declaration?
- A.
George III
- B.
Elizabeth II
- C.
James I
- D.
Queen Victoria
Correct Answer
A. George IIIExplanation
George III was the king of Great Britain at the time the colonies adopted the declaration. This can be inferred from historical records and the fact that he reigned from 1760 to 1820, which aligns with the timeframe of the colonies adopting the declaration.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which member of the committee that wrote the declaration refused to sign it?
- A.
Thomas Jefferson
- B.
John Adams
- C.
Robert Livingston
- D.
Roger Sherman
Correct Answer
C. Robert LivingstonExplanation
Robert Livingston refused to sign the declaration because he believed that it was too radical and that it would lead to unnecessary conflict with Britain.Rate this question:
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- 14.
According to the declaration, where does government get its power?
- A.
From its constitution
- B.
From its military
- C.
From the elected representatives
- D.
From the consent of the governed
Correct Answer
D. From the consent of the governedExplanation
The government gets its power from the consent of the governed. This means that the authority and legitimacy of the government come from the agreement and support of the people it governs. The government is given power by the people who consent to be governed and abide by its laws and regulations. Without the consent of the governed, the government would lack the necessary authority to make decisions and enforce laws.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Which signers of the declaration would later be elected president?
- A.
John Adams and John Hancock
- B.
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
- C.
Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson
- D.
Thomas Jefferson and James Madison
Correct Answer
B. John Adams and Thomas JeffersonExplanation
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson are the signers of the declaration who would later be elected president. John Adams served as the 2nd president of the United States from 1797 to 1801, while Thomas Jefferson served as the 3rd president from 1801 to 1809. Both Adams and Jefferson played crucial roles in the early years of the United States and their contributions as founding fathers and presidents are widely recognized.Rate this question:
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- 16.
How many grievances were listed in the declaration?
- A.
21
- B.
27
- C.
32
- D.
34
Correct Answer
B. 27Explanation
27 grievances were listed in the declaration.Rate this question:
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- 17.
Of the first 13 states, which was the first to sign the bill?
- A.
Maine
- B.
Rhode Island
- C.
Delaware
- D.
South Carolina
Correct Answer
C. DelawareExplanation
Delaware was the first state to sign the bill among the first 13 states.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Who was the oldest signer of the declaration at age 70?
- A.
Edward Rutledge
- B.
John Hancock
- C.
George Washington
- D.
Benjamin Franklin
Correct Answer
D. Benjamin FranklinExplanation
Benjamin Franklin was the oldest signer of the declaration at age 70. He was a renowned polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was known for his contributions as a writer, scientist, inventor, and diplomat. His wisdom and experience made him a respected figure among his peers, and his age at the time of signing the declaration reflects his long-standing commitment to the cause of American independence.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Which part of the declaration are American schoolchildren required to memorize?
- A.
The Introduction
- B.
The Preamble
- C.
The Indictment
- D.
The Denunciation
Correct Answer
B. The PreambleExplanation
American schoolchildren are required to memorize the Preamble of the declaration. The Preamble is the introductory statement of the declaration that outlines the purpose and principles of the document. It begins with the famous phrase "We the People" and sets the tone for the rest of the declaration. Memorizing the Preamble helps students understand the fundamental values and goals of the United States and its government.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Who was the first to sign the declaration?
- A.
Thomas Jefferson
- B.
Edward Rutledge
- C.
John Adams
- D.
John Hancock
Correct Answer
D. John HancockExplanation
John Hancock was the first to sign the declaration because he was the president of the Second Continental Congress, which drafted the declaration. As the president, it was customary for him to be the first to sign important documents.Rate this question:
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