Social Studies: The Declaration of Independence Key Ideas Worksheet

Question 1

What was the main purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

Accepted Answer

The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to explain why the American colonies wanted to separate from Great Britain and become a new country.

Question 2

The Declaration of Independence says that people have certain rights that cannot be taken away. Name two of these rights.

Accepted Answer

Two rights named in the Declaration of Independence are life and liberty. It also names the pursuit of happiness as an important right.

Question 3

Look at the phrase all men are created equal. In your own words, what key idea was the Declaration trying to express?

Accepted Answer

The Declaration was expressing the idea that people are born with equal basic rights and should not be treated as if one person is naturally more important than another.

Question 4

Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?

Accepted Answer

Thomas Jefferson was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence, although other leaders helped review and edit it.

Question 5

On what date did the Continental Congress approve the Declaration of Independence?

Accepted Answer

The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Question 6

What did the Declaration say governments are supposed to protect?

Accepted Answer

The Declaration said governments are supposed to protect the rights of the people, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Question 7

The Declaration says governments get their power from the consent of the governed. What does this mean?

Accepted Answer

It means that a government should have the agreement or permission of the people it governs. Leaders should not rule fairly without listening to the people.

Question 8

Why did the colonists list complaints, also called grievances, against King George III?

Accepted Answer

The colonists listed grievances to explain the problems they had with the king and to show why they believed independence was necessary.

Question 9

Match the idea to its meaning: unalienable rights, grievances, independence. Write each word next to the correct meaning: complaints, freedom from another country's rule, rights that cannot be taken away.

Accepted Answer

Unalienable rights means rights that cannot be taken away. Grievances means complaints. Independence means freedom from another country's rule.

Question 10

Which group approved the Declaration of Independence: the Continental Congress, the British Parliament, or the French army?

Accepted Answer

The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. It was made up of representatives from the American colonies.

Question 11

Explain why the Declaration of Independence was an important step toward creating the United States.

Accepted Answer

The Declaration was important because it announced that the colonies no longer wanted to be ruled by Great Britain. It helped begin the idea of the United States as an independent nation.

Question 12

The Declaration includes a section that explains ideas about rights and government. It also includes a section listing complaints. Why were both sections important?

Accepted Answer

The ideas about rights and government explained what the colonists believed. The complaints showed how they believed the king had violated those ideas.

Question 13

Read this statement: People may change or replace a government that does not protect their rights. Is this idea found in the Declaration of Independence? Explain.

Accepted Answer

Yes, this idea is found in the Declaration of Independence. The document says people can change or replace a government when it does not protect their rights.

Question 14

Place these events in the correct order: the colonies had complaints against British rule, the Declaration of Independence was approved, the colonies announced they were free and independent states.

Accepted Answer

First, the colonies had complaints against British rule. Next, the Declaration of Independence was approved. Then, the colonies announced they were free and independent states.

Question 15

Write one sentence explaining a key idea from the Declaration of Independence that is still important today.

Accepted Answer

One key idea that is still important today is that governments should protect people's rights and get their power from the people.

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Social Studies: The Declaration of Independence Key Ideas

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