Key People
Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?
(Thomas Jefferson)
On what date was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
(July 4, 1776)
What was a colonist called if they supported independence from Britain?
Patriot
What does the word "unalienable" mean?
Something that cannot be taken away.
What war caused Britain to tax the colonies to pay off its debt?
(French and Indian War)
Who was the first person killed in the Boston Massacre?
Crispus Attucks
What are the three unalienable rights listed in the Declaration of Independence?
(Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness)
What was a colonist called if they remained loyal to Britain?
(Loyalist)
What document says that all people have unalienable rights?
Declaration of Independence
What event involved British soldiers firing into a crowd and killing five colonists?
Boston Massacre
Who was the British king during the American Revolution?
(King George III)
What document listed the reasons why the colonies wanted to separate from Britain?
(Declaration of Independence)
What was a colonist called if they did not pick a side in the war?
Neutral
If a government does not protect people's rights, what do the people have the right to do?
Change or remove the government
What was the name of the event where colonists threw tea into the harbor to protest taxes?
(Boston Tea Party)
What famous patriot gave the speech saying, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"?
(Patrick Henry)
Name one grievance the colonists had against King George III.
taxation without representation, no trial by jury, forced quartering of soldiers, etc.)
Why did some colonists choose to remain loyal to Britain?
They believed Britain was their rightful ruler, feared losing trade, or thought the colonies would lose.
What is one consequence of a government not recognizing citizens’ unalienable rights?
People may revolt, demand change, or create a new government.
What series of laws were passed to punish the colonists after the Boston Tea Party?
(Coercive Acts/Intolerable Acts)
Who helped convince France to support the colonists in the war?
(Benjamin Franklin)
What does it mean that the government gets its power from "the consent of the governed"?
The government must have permission from the people to rule.
Why did some colonists choose to stay neutral during the war?
They wanted to avoid conflict, had family on both sides, or didn't think it affected them.
How do unalienable rights relate to all citizens today?
They are the foundation of democracy and are protected by the Constitution.
What were the Powder Alarms, and why did it worry the British?
Colonists secretly moved ammunition, showing they were preparing for conflict.