Declaration of Independence Flashcards
Who drafted the Declaration of Independence, and when was it adopted?
Thomas Jefferson drafted it, and it was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
What are the key unalienable rights mentioned in the Declaration?
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
According to the Declaration, where does a government derive its power from?
From the consent of the governed.
What does the Declaration say people can do if a government becomes destructive?
They have the right to alter or abolish it and establish a new government.
How did the Declaration influence later democratic developments?
It laid the foundation for the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and later movements for civil rights and independence worldwide.
What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
To justify the American colonies’ separation from Great Britain and outline the principles of self-governance.
How does the Declaration remain relevant today?
Its principles of equality and liberty continue to influence debates on civil rights, government accountability, and social justice.
What revolutionary idea about governance did the Declaration introduce?
That people are active participants in shaping their own government, not just subjects of rulers.
What is the significance of the phrase “all men are created equal”?
It established the principle that all individuals have inherent rights, influencing future struggles for equality.
How does the Declaration encourage civic engagement?
It emphasizes that citizens must participate in democracy to ensure their rights are protected and upheld.
