Enlightenment And American Revolution Quiz

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American Revolution Quizzes & Trivia

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Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Reformation: ____________ revolutionRenaissance: cultural revolution

    • A.

      Political

    • B.

      Religious

    • C.

      Economic

    • D.

      Social

    Correct Answer
    B. Religious
    Explanation
    The correct answer is religious. The Reformation was a religious revolution that occurred in the 16th century, led by Martin Luther and other reformers who sought to challenge and reform the practices of the Catholic Church. It resulted in the establishment of Protestantism as a separate branch of Christianity. Similarly, the Renaissance was a cultural revolution that took place in Europe from the 14th to the 17th century, characterized by a renewed interest in art, literature, and learning. While the Renaissance had political, economic, and social aspects, its primary focus was on cultural and intellectual advancements.

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  • 2. 

    Machaivellli, a Renaissance political thinker, would be best remember by which of the following statements? 

    • A.

      Be Bold, Do whatever it takes to stay in power, Be strong

    • B.

      The weak will never survive in the end

    • C.

      Be curious and love art

    • D.

      Kings and Queens will rule the world

    Correct Answer
    A. Be Bold, Do whatever it takes to stay in power, Be strong
    Explanation
    Machiavelli is best remembered for his statement "Be Bold, Do whatever it takes to stay in power, Be strong." This statement reflects his belief in the necessity for political leaders to be ruthless and willing to use any means necessary to maintain their power and control. Machiavelli's famous work, "The Prince," advocates for the use of deception, manipulation, and force in politics. This statement captures the essence of Machiavelli's political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of strength and assertiveness in leadership.

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  • 3. 

    The cry of the colonists in the days leading up to the outbreak of the American Revolution was centered around what key phrase?

    • A.

      "no taxation without representation"

    • B.

      "I want my land back from the King!"

    • C.

      "I do not want to pay taxes!"

    • D.

      "Give me liberty or give me death!"

    Correct Answer
    A. "no taxation without representation"
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "no taxation without representation." This phrase encapsulates the main grievance of the colonists leading up to the American Revolution. They believed that it was unjust for the British government to impose taxes on them without giving them a voice or representation in the decision-making process. The colonists felt that they should have a say in the laws and policies that affected them, especially when it came to taxation. This slogan became a rallying cry for the colonists and a symbol of their desire for self-governance and independence from British rule.

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  • 4. 

    Complete the following analogyThomas Paine: __________Thomas Jefferson: _____________

    • A.

      Common Sense: Amenrican Crisis

    • B.

      Common Sense: Declaration of Independence

    • C.

      Common Sense: Constitution of 1776

    • D.

      Declaration of Independence: American Crisis

    Correct Answer
    B. Common Sense: Declaration of Independence
    Explanation
    The analogy is based on the relationship between Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson and their respective works. Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet called "Common Sense," which was instrumental in inspiring the American Revolution and advocating for independence from Britain. Similarly, Thomas Jefferson wrote the "Declaration of Independence," which officially declared the American colonies' independence from Britain. Therefore, the analogy suggests that just as "Common Sense" was a significant work by Thomas Paine, the "Declaration of Independence" was a significant work by Thomas Jefferson.

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  • 5. 

    Common Sense encouraged colonists to think about...

    • A.

      War

    • B.

      Making peace with the King George III

    • C.

      Independence

    • D.

      None of the above

    Correct Answer
    C. Independence
    Explanation
    Common Sense, a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, encouraged colonists to think about independence from Great Britain. The pamphlet argued that it was common sense for the colonists to break away from British rule and establish their own independent nation. Paine's persuasive arguments and clear language resonated with many colonists and helped to shift public opinion towards the idea of independence. Therefore, the correct answer is independence.

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  • 6. 

    Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?

    • A.

      John Adams

    • B.

      Benjamin Franklin

    • C.

      Thomas Jefferson

    • D.

      James Madison

    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 was adopted on July 4, 1776. Jefferson's eloquent writing skills and his deep understanding of political philosophy made him the ideal candidate for this important task. His ideas of natural rights and self-government greatly influenced the content of the Declaration, which declared the American colonies' independence from British rule and laid the foundation for the formation of the United States of America.

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  • 7. 

    What fundamental political idea is expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

    • A.

      A government that denies its people certain basic rights can be overthrown

    • B.

      Government should guarantee its citizens economic security

    • C.

      The national and state governments should share power

    • D.

      Rulers from nations get power to rule from God and are have to govern in the best interest for all people

    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 to the rights of the people, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it. This principle reflects the belief in the inherent rights of individuals and the idea that government exists to protect and secure these rights. If a government fails to fulfill this duty and violates the basic rights of its citizens, the Declaration of Independence asserts that the people have the right to overthrow it.

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  • 8. 

    The concept of natural rights was included in the Declaration of Independence- influenced from John Locke.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The concept of natural rights, which states that individuals have inherent rights that cannot be taken away, was indeed included in the Declaration of Independence. This concept was heavily influenced by the ideas of John Locke, an Enlightenment philosopher who believed in the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, explicitly states that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Therefore, the given answer that the statement is true is correct.

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  • 9. 

    The Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for democratic thinking.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The Declaration of Independence, written in 1776, was a pivotal document that proclaimed the United States' separation from British rule. It outlined the fundamental principles of democracy, such as the belief in equal rights, government by the consent of the governed, and the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. By declaring these principles, the Declaration of Independence played a crucial role in shaping democratic thinking and inspiring future democratic movements around the world. Therefore, the statement that the Declaration of Independence laid the foundation for democratic thinking is true.

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  • 10. 

    "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? 

    • A.

      US Constitution

    • B.

      Declaration of Independence

    • C.

      Olive Branch Pettion

    • D.

      Mayflower Compact

    Correct Answer
    B. Declaration of Independence
    Explanation
    The given quote is from the Declaration of Independence. This document was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and it proclaimed the thirteen American colonies as independent states, no longer under British rule. The quote emphasizes the belief that all men are equal and have certain rights that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is a foundational document in American history and is often seen as a symbol of American ideals and values.

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  • 11. 

    The cry of the colonists in the days leading up to the outbreak of the American Revolution was centered around what key phrase?

    • A.

      "no taxation without representation"

    • B.

      "I want my land back from the King!"

    • C.

      "I do not want to pay taxes!"

    • D.

      "Give me liberty or give me death!"

    Correct Answer
    A. "no taxation without representation"
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "no taxation without representation." This phrase reflects the main grievance of the colonists during the days before the American Revolution. They believed that they should not be taxed by the British government without having a voice or representation in that government. This slogan encapsulated their demand for fair representation and became a rallying cry for the colonists' fight for independence.

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  • 12. 

    The Scientific Revolution can be best described as...? 

    • A.

      A new way of thinking about the natural world based upon careful observaion and being able to question accepted beliefs

    • B.

      The realization that the Earth was round instead of flat during the Age of Discovery

    • C.

      The discovery of nulclear energy as a main source of power

    • D.

      An acceptance that the Catholic Church was the only true source of knowledge

    Correct Answer
    A. A new way of thinking about the natural world based upon careful observaion and being able to question accepted beliefs
    Explanation
    The Scientific Revolution can be best described as a new way of thinking about the natural world based upon careful observation and being able to question accepted beliefs. This period marked a shift from relying on ancient authorities and traditional beliefs to using empirical evidence and experimentation to understand the world. Scientists like Galileo, Copernicus, and Newton challenged long-held beliefs and developed new theories and models to explain natural phenomena. This revolution in thinking laid the foundation for modern science and greatly advanced our understanding of the natural world.

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  • 13. 

    The heliocentric theory suggested that...? 

    • A.

      Earth is the only planet able to sustain life

    • B.

      The sun is the center of our solar system

    • C.

      All humans have one common ancestor

    • D.

      The sun will eventually turn into a black hole

    Correct Answer
    B. The sun is the center of our solar system
    Explanation
    The heliocentric theory suggests that the sun is the center of our solar system. This theory, proposed by Nicolaus Copernicus in the 16th century, challenged the prevailing geocentric model which believed that the Earth was at the center of the universe. The heliocentric theory revolutionized our understanding of the solar system and paved the way for further scientific discoveries in astronomy.

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  • 14. 

    Montesquieu's philosophy can be found in which famous American document- separation of powers within the national government...

    • A.

      Treaty of Paris

    • B.

      Declaration of Independence

    • C.

      US Constitution

    • D.

      Gettysburg Address

    Correct Answer
    C. US Constitution
    Explanation
    Montesquieu's philosophy of the separation of powers within the national government is reflected in the US Constitution. The Constitution establishes three separate branches of government - the executive, legislative, and judicial branches - with distinct powers and responsibilities. This system ensures a system of checks and balances, where each branch has the ability to limit the powers of the others, preventing any one branch from becoming too powerful. Montesquieu's ideas on the separation of powers greatly influenced the framers of the US Constitution and are a fundamental principle of American government.

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  • 15. 

    John Locke believed in the concept of natural rights of the indiividual. What US document did he later help influence in our national history? 

    • A.

      Gettysburg Address

    • B.

      US Constitution

    • C.

      Declaration of Independence

    • D.

      Emancipation Proclamation

    Correct Answer
    C. Declaration of Independence
    Explanation
    John Locke's belief in the concept of natural rights of the individual greatly influenced the writing of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson, asserts that all individuals are endowed with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This concept aligns with Locke's idea that individuals have inherent rights that cannot be taken away by any governing authority. Therefore, the correct answer is the Declaration of Independence.

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  • 16. 

    Select the best definition of revolution.

    • A.

      Change

    • B.

      War

    • C.

      Conflict

    • D.

      Independence

    Correct Answer
    A. Change
    Explanation
    Revolution refers to a significant and fundamental change in a particular system or society. It involves a complete transformation or shift from the existing state to a new one. It can be a political, social, or economic change that disrupts the current order and brings about a new way of thinking or functioning. Therefore, "change" is the best definition of revolution as it encompasses the broad and transformative nature of this term.

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  • 17. 

    Heliocentric theory greatly disturbed the most powerful influence in Europe. Identify who would not have been happy with this theory.

    • A.

      Church Leaders

    • B.

      Issac Newton

    • C.

      John Locke

    • D.

      Sir Francis Bacon

    Correct Answer
    A. Church Leaders
    Explanation
    Church leaders would not have been happy with the heliocentric theory because it challenged the prevailing belief in a geocentric universe, which was supported by religious teachings. The theory proposed that the Earth revolves around the Sun, contradicting the biblical notion that the Earth is the center of the universe. This would have threatened the authority and power of the church, as it would undermine their teachings and worldview.

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  • 18. 

    The geocentric theory would be best described as...?

    • A.

      Earth is the center of the universe

    • B.

      Sun is the center of the universe

    • C.

      Moon is the center of the universe

    • D.

      Church is the center of the universe

    Correct Answer
    A. Earth is the center of the universe
    Explanation
    The geocentric theory, as described in the answer, states that the Earth is the center of the universe. This theory was widely accepted in ancient times and held that all celestial bodies revolve around the Earth. It was later disproven by the heliocentric theory, which proposed that the Sun is the center of the universe. The geocentric theory was influential in shaping early astronomical beliefs and understanding of the cosmos.

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  • 19. 

    John Locke would have supported which of the following?

    • A.

      The separate branches of government

    • B.

      The desire to have a absolute monarch or king

    • C.

      Social Contracts between the people and the government

    • D.

      Life, Liberty, Property- Natural Rights

    Correct Answer
    D. Life, Liberty, Property- Natural Rights
    Explanation
    John Locke, a prominent Enlightenment philosopher, believed in the concept of natural rights. He argued that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which should be protected by the government. Locke emphasized the importance of social contracts between the people and the government, where the government's role is to safeguard these natural rights. Therefore, it can be inferred that Locke would have supported the idea of Life, Liberty, Property- Natural Rights.

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  • 20. 

    What document is known as the "ultimate break up letter"?

    • A.

      Declaration of Rights

    • B.

      English Bill of Rights

    • C.

      Declaration of Independence

    • D.

      Magna Carta

    Correct Answer
    C. Declaration of Independence
    Explanation
    The Declaration of Independence is known as the "ultimate break up letter" because it was a formal document written by the American colonies to declare their separation from Great Britain. It outlined the grievances and reasons for seeking independence, effectively ending their political ties and relationship with the British government.

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  • 21. 

    What famous document begins with the following words, "when in the course of human events it becomes necessary..." 

    • A.

      English Bill of Rights

    • B.

      US Constitution

    • C.

      Declaration of Independence

    • D.

      Magna Carta

    Correct Answer
    C. Declaration of Independence
    Explanation
    The famous document that begins with the words "when in the course of human events it becomes necessary..." is the Declaration of Independence. This document was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and it declared the thirteen American colonies' independence from Great Britain. It outlined the reasons for seeking independence and asserted the natural rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration of Independence is considered a foundational document in American history and is celebrated annually on Independence Day.

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  • 22. 

    Using the quote from number 20, if the document states that people have certain unalienable rights, what would be the best meaning of this?

    • A.

      Citizens have no rights at all

    • B.

      Rights can not be taken away- these are the natural rights that all people have

    • C.

      Only some people have rights

    • D.

      You must earn these rights over time

    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, as these are natural rights that all people possess. This implies that every individual is entitled to certain basic rights that cannot be revoked or denied by any authority or government.

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  • 23. 

    What were the colonists asked to do after the French and Indian War?

    • A.

      Continue to fight against the Native American tribes

    • 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

    • C.

      Pay for the war since they had lost and leave the continent

    • D.

      Give up land after the war to the French

    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 both England and the 13 colonies, so it was expected that the colonists would contribute to the repayment. This request was made to alleviate the financial burden on both parties involved in the war.

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  • 24. 

    The Intolerable Acts closed the port of Boston in 1774 after the events of the Boston Tea Party.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The Intolerable Acts, also known as the Coercive Acts, were a series of laws passed by the British Parliament in response to the Boston Tea Party. One of these acts, called the Boston Port Act, closed the port of Boston in 1774 as a punishment for the colonists' actions. This was done in order to economically cripple the city and bring the colonists under control. Therefore, the statement that the Intolerable Acts closed the port of Boston in 1774 after the events of the Boston Tea Party is true.

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  • 25. 

    The First Continental Congress called King George III into action against the British.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because the First Continental Congress was actually called by American colonists in response to the actions of the British government, particularly the Intolerable Acts. The Congress was a meeting of delegates from the colonies to discuss their grievances and coordinate a response to British policies. They did not call on King George III to take action against the British; rather, they sought to assert their rights and resolve their issues with the British government peacefully.

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  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Oct 26, 2015
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