Declaration of Independance Flashcards
Who was Thomas Paine?
An English-born writer and philosopher who emigrated to the colonies from Great Britain.
What was the significance of Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense?
It encouraged colonists to declare independence and introduced the idea of breaking away from the King of Great Britain.
What bold idea did Paine argue in Common Sense?
That people, not kings or queens, make laws and can govern themselves.
How many copies of Common Sense were sold?
300,000 copies.
Why did Common Sense reach a wide audience?
It spoke to the ‘common’ people with loaded phrases and words they could understand.
What two main cases did Common Sense make?
- Economic freedom
- Right to military self-defense
What did Common Sense cry out against?
Tyranny and the abuse of governmental power by King George III.
What does unanimous mean?
Everyone agrees
This term is often used in decision-making contexts.
Define unalienable.
Cannot be taken away from you
This term is frequently associated with rights that are considered fundamental.
What does anonymous mean?
Identity unknown
This term is used when the identity of a person is not revealed.
What are foreign mercenaries?
Soldiers hired to fight for a country not their own
Great Britain hired foreign mercenaries during conflicts.
What does quartering refer to?
Housing, lodging
This term is often used in historical contexts regarding military housing.
Define tyrant.
Cruel and harsh ruler; dictator
Tyrants often abuse their power and authority.
What is tyranny?
Government led by a cruel ruler
This form of government is characterized by oppression and injustice.
Define social contract.
Agreement between the people and government
This concept is foundational in political philosophy regarding the legitimacy of governmental authority.
What is treason?
To betray one’s country
This act is considered one of the most serious crimes in many nations.
What was formed by the Second Continental Congress in June 1776?
A committee was formed to write a document declaring independence.
What was the motto on the seal created by the committee for the new country?
“E pluribus unum,” which means “out of many, one.”
What does “E pluribus unum” mean?
“Out of many, one.”
Who were the five representatives chosen to write the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson (Virginia), John Adams (Massachusetts), Benjamin Franklin (Pennsylvania), Roger Sherman (Connecticut), and Robert Livingston (New York).
Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson.
What was formed by the Second Continental Congress in June 1776?
A committee was formed to write a document declaring independence.
What are the four main parts of the Declaration of Independence?
Preamble, Natural Rights, Complaints/Grievances against the King, and Resolution of Independence.
What does the term “Preamble” mean in the context of the Declaration of Independence?
“Pre” means before, and the Preamble introduces the document, explaining why the colonies are separating from Britain.
How does the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence begin?
“When in the course of human events…”
Who influenced many of the arguments for independence in the Declaration of Independence?
Philosophers such as John Locke and Thomas Paine.
According to the Declaration of Independence, when is it justified to abolish a government?
When the government becomes destructive, and men have the right to start a new government.
What phrase does the Declaration use to explain the king’s tyranny?
“To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.”
How many complaints against the King are listed in the Declaration of Independence?
27 complaints.
What is one of the complaints listed in the Declaration of Independence?
He has imposed taxes on us without our consent.
What was Richard Henry Lee’s proposal that was included in the Declaration of Independence?
The proposal that the colonies should be free and independent states.
Who signed the Declaration of Independence first and why?
John Hancock, because he was the President of the Second Continental Congress, and he signed in large letters.
What was the pledge made by the signers of the Declaration of Independence?
“We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
Why were the signers of the Declaration of Independence putting their lives at risk?
They were committing treason, which could result in being hanged.
When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776.
What did George Washington do with the Declaration of Independence on July 9, 1776?
He had it read to his troops to boost their morale during the war.
How did the thirteen colonies vote on the Declaration of Independence?
All thirteen colonies unanimously voted for independence.
What were the three main groups of people during the American Revolution in terms of loyalty?
Loyalists/Tories (loyal to the king), Patriots/Whigs (favored independence), and Neutral (undecided).
What were Native Americans’ roles in the Revolutionary War?
They were initially encouraged to remain neutral but later fought for both the British and the Patriots.
What were some of the groups not addressed in the Declaration of Independence?
Women, Native Americans, and African Americans.
What was the contradiction in the Declaration of Independence regarding equality?
The phrase “All men are created equal” was an ideal that was not fully realized for many years, especially for women, Native Americans, and African Americans.
