Consent of the Governed
D2.Civ.3.3-5
Read the founding document, answer its questions, then circle the best answers.
The Declaration of Independence
From the Declaration of Independence, adopted July 4, 1776, when thirteen American colonies broke away from the king of Great Britain. These are its exact words. The word help was written for this worksheet. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. --That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government… Word help: unalienable = cannot be taken away. instituted = set up. consent = agreement. the governed = the people a government rules.
- 1. Where do governments get their just powers, according to this source?
- 2. What does the Declaration say about how all men are created?
- 3. Why are governments set up, according to the Declaration?
- A.By voting for city leaders
- B.By moving to a new street
- C.By buying a library card
- A.The king of Great Britain
- B.The king of Spain
- C.The President
- A.The people must leave the country
- B.Voters can choose new leaders at the next election
- C.It stays in power forever
- A.A sign goes up in the park
- B.Voters approve it in an election
- C.The mayor's friends like it
- A.Hide from the police
- B.Break the law
- C.Vote, write to leaders or speak at a public meeting
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