Declaration of Independence Practice Exam

Welcome to the Practice Test on The Declaration of Independence!

As part of your preparation for the AP American History exam, this practice test is designed to challenge your knowledge and understanding of the Declaration of Independence, a pivotal document in American history. It covers its authors, context, content, and impact. Read each question carefully and choose the best answer. Good luck, and let your knowledge shine!

1. Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?
A. Benjamin Franklin
B. Thomas Jefferson
C. John Adams
D. James Madison

2. On which date was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
A. July 4, 1776
B. June 4, 1776
C. July 2, 1776
D. August 4, 1776

3. Which philosophical movement influenced the Declaration of Independence the most?
A. Rationalism
B. The Enlightenment
C. Realism
D. Romanticism

4. Which of the following rights is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Declaration of Independence?
A. Life
B. Liberty
C. Pursuit of Happiness
D. Freedom of Speech

5. How many colonies are represented in the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
A. 13
B. 12
C. 14
D. 10

6. What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
A. To declare war on Great Britain
B. To announce the colonies’ separation from Britain
C. To outline a new government
D. To list the colonies’ grievances against the British Parliament

7. In which city was the Declaration of Independence signed?
A. New York City
B. Boston
C. Philadelphia
D. Washington D.C.

8. Who was the King of England when the Declaration was adopted?
A. King George III
B. King Henry VIII
C. King Edward VI
D. King James I

9. The Declaration of Independence begins with which of the following words?
A. “We the People…”
B. “In Congress, July 4…”
C. “When in the Course of human events…”
D. “Four score and seven years ago…”

10. Which group formally adopted the Declaration of Independence?
A. The Continental Congress
B. The Federal Assembly
C. The Constitutional Convention
D. The American Philosophical Society

11. Which of the following concepts is NOT directly addressed in the Declaration of Independence?
A. Natural rights
B. Taxation without representation
C. The social contract
D. Separation of church and state

12. The Declaration of Independence was a direct response to which of the following?
A. The Stamp Act
B. The Intolerable Acts
C. The Boston Massacre
D. All of the above

13. Which Enlightenment philosopher’s ideas had a major influence on the Declaration of Independence?
A. John Locke
B. Thomas Hobbes
C. Voltaire
D. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

14. The Declaration of Independence argues that government should be based on
A. Divine right
B. The will of the king
C. The consent of the governed
D. The power of the military

15. How does the Declaration of Independence address the issue of changing a government?
A. It does not mention it
B. It says it should not be changed for light and transient causes
C. It encourages frequent revolutions
D. It states that only monarchs can change governments

16. Which colony’s delegation was the last to approve the Declaration of Independence?
A. New York
B. Virginia
C. Pennsylvania
D. Massachusetts

17. The grievances listed in the Declaration of Independence were directed at the actions of
A. The British Parliament
B. The Colonial Governors
C. King George III
D. The British people

18. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created
A. Equal
B. Free
C. With certain unalienable Rights
D. A and C

19. What does the Declaration of Independence say about abolishing a government?
A. It is the people’s right to alter or abolish it
B. It should never be abolished
C. It can only be done with the king’s consent
D. It doesn’t address this issue

20. Which document served as a precursor to the Declaration of Independence?
A. The Mayflower Compact
B. The Articles of Confederation
C. The Virginia Declaration of Rights
D. The Magna Carta

**21. The signers of the Declaration of Independence pledged their

lives, fortunes, and what else?**
A. Honor
B. Sacred Honor
C. Patriotic duty
D. Allegiance to the cause

22. The Declaration of Independence was initially drafted in what year?
A. 1774
B. 1775
C. 1776
D. 1777

23. Which of the following was a primary grievance listed in the Declaration of Independence?
A. Lack of representation in Parliament
B. Prohibition of slavery
C. Lack of religious freedom
D. Excessive taxation on tea

24. After its adoption, the Declaration of Independence was sent to various political leaders and
A. Read aloud in towns and cities
B. Hidden for protection
C. Translated into multiple languages
D. Sent to France for support

25. How many people signed the Declaration of Independence?
A. 50
B. 54
C. 56
D. 60

Answer Key

  1. B. Thomas Jefferson – The main author of the Declaration of Independence.
  2. A. July 4, 1776 – The date when the Declaration of Independence was adopted.
  3. B. The Enlightenment – The philosophical movement that most influenced the Declaration.
  4. D. Freedom of Speech – Not explicitly mentioned in the Declaration of Independence.
  5. A. 13 – The number of colonies represented in the signing of the Declaration.
  6. B. To announce the colonies’ separation from Britain – The primary purpose of the Declaration.
  7. C. Philadelphia – The city where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
  8. A. King George III – The King of England when the Declaration was adopted.
  9. C. “When in the Course of human events…” – The beginning words of the Declaration.
  10. A. The Continental Congress – The group that formally adopted the Declaration of Independence.
  11. D. Separation of church and state – Not directly addressed in the Declaration.
  12. D. All of the above – The Declaration was a response to the Stamp Act, the Intolerable Acts, and the Boston Massacre.
  13. A. John Locke – The Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas influenced the Declaration.
  14. C. The consent of the governed – The Declaration argues that government should be based on this.
  15. B. It says it should not be changed for light and transient causes – How the Declaration addresses changing a government.
  16. A. New York – The last colony’s delegation to approve the Declaration.
  17. C. King George III – The grievances in the Declaration were directed at his actions.
  18. D. A and C – The Declaration states that all men are created equal and with certain unalienable Rights.
  19. A. It is the people’s right to alter or abolish it – What the Declaration says about abolishing a government.
  20. C. The Virginia Declaration of Rights – A precursor to the Declaration of Independence.
  21. B. Sacred Honor – Along with their lives and fortunes, the signers pledged this.
  22. C. 1776 – The year the Declaration was initially drafted.
  23. A. Lack of representation in Parliament – A primary grievance listed in the Declaration.
  24. A. Read aloud in towns and cities – What happened after its adoption.
  25. C. 56 – The number of people who signed the Declaration of Independence.

Make sure to study Lesson 4 – The Declaration of Independence in preparation for an in-class examination.