In anticipation of the publication of the “Declaration of Independence” and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, the non-partisan grassroots organization “USA250-OC” was established in Orange County, Southern California last year. The organization aims to mobilize citizens to collectively commemorate and celebrate, to explore the history and fundamental principles behind the American constitutional system, and to promote the ideals and visions contained in the “Declaration of Independence,” the “Constitution,” and the “Bill of Rights.”
Here are some questions from the “Declaration of Independence” knowledge quiz on the “USA250-OC” website. The answers will be revealed in an updated version of this article on July 1.
1. What is the opening phrase of the “Declaration of Independence”?
a. We the people
b. These are the times that try men’s souls
c. We hold these truths to be self-evident
d. When in the course of human events
2. Who were members of the drafting committee of the “Declaration of Independence”?
a. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston
b. Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, John Adams, and Richard Henry Lee
c. John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Benjamin Franklin
d. Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Richard Henry Lee, and Roger Sherman
3. Who was the primary author of the “Declaration of Independence”?
a. John Adams
b. Thomas Jefferson
c. James Madison
d. Benjamin Franklin
4. Which member of the drafting committee did not sign the declaration?
a. Robert Livingston
b. Roger Sherman
c. John Dickinson
d. Richard Henry Lee
5. Who proposed the motion to declare independence from Britain?
a. George Washington
b. Thomas Jefferson
c. Roger Sherman
d. Richard Henry Lee
6. On what day was the vote to declare independence from Britain taken?
a. June 28, 1776
b. July 2, 1776
c. July 4, 1776
d. August 2, 1776
7. Who was the King of England when the colonies declared independence?
a. George III
b. Elizabeth I
c. James I
d. Charles II
8. How many grievances against the King of England are listed in the “Declaration of Independence”?
a. Twelve
b. Fifteen
c. Twenty-seven
d. Thirty
9. Which of the following grievances against the King of England is not included in the “Declaration of Independence”?
a. He dissolved colonial legislatures elected by the people.
b. He made judges dependent on him alone.
c. He refused to abolish the slave trade.
d. He maintained a standing army in the colonies without their consent.
10. What significant action did the Continental Congress take on July 4, 1776?
a. Voted to declare independence from Britain.
b. Established the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as commander-in-chief.
c. Approved the text of the “Declaration of Independence.”
d. Formed a committee to draft the “Declaration of Independence.”
(Continued in next comment)