Welcome to Week 2 “The Declaration of Independence” Quiz According to Dr. West, the “soul” of the American Founding is found in the political theory of the Declaration of Independence. What is the core idea of that theory? All human beings are equally free Government is always opposed to the equal rights of the individual. The powers of government must be separated into legislative, executive, and judicial functions. None of the above God is invoked four times in the Declaration. Identify the quartet of references that is correct. Supreme Judge of the World, Divine Providence, Nature’s God, Creator Divine Providence, Creator, Benevolent Lord, Nature’s God Creator, Omnipotent Prince, Divine Providence, Nature’s God Nature’s God, Supreme Being, Providential Benefactor, Judge of the Universe What grave contradiction of the Declaration’s universal political principles existed during the Founding? Individualism Darwinism Materialism Slavery True/False: When the Founders used the word “equality” in the Declaration of Independence, they meant that government should redistribute wealth so that everyone will have access to the same resources as everyone else. True False The Founders defined liberty as the right to be free from ________. Coercion Want Fear Government The Virginia Declaration of Rights, in language similar to that of the Declaration of Independence, states that men are “equally ______ and independent.” Reasonable Entitled Talented Free True/False: The Founders’ idea of natural rights implies that every person has a corresponding duty not to violate others’ rights. True False The political theory of the Declaration of Independence requires that government (1) adopt and enforce criminal laws; (2) adopt and enforce civil laws regarding property, family, education, and provision for the poor; and (3) ___________ Secure economic freedom Provide for national defense Distribute wealth Create administrative agencies The Northwest Ordinance speaks of the importance of schools for the promotion of “religion, morality, and knowledge.” Why did the Founders regard these things as essential to good government? They thought the purpose of government is to promote the Christian religion. They agreed with Aristotle and Plato that the purpose of government is to make men virtuous. They believed that the English custom of government prohibition of false religions was the correct model for the United States. They believed that a morally corrupt people would be unwilling to respect the equal rights of others and perform the other duties of citizenship. How did the Founders reconcile man’s natural right to liberty with the coercive power of government? Consent of the governed Checks and balances Separation of powers None of the above The Founding generation often used Scripture to support what form of government? Monarchy Republicanism Democracy None of the above How many states had abolished slavery by the early 1800s? Zero Five Eight Thirteen The Founders maintained that legitimate government requires the consent of the governed because: The English political tradition required it. All men are created free, equal, and independent so political rule must be based on consent. The common law mandated representation based on consent. Colonial charters granted the right to local self-government. FDR’s “Second Bill of Rights” contains a list of many new proposed rights, including: The right to an education The right to a job The right to a decent home All of the above True/False: America’s Founding principles require that the consent of the governed is not only required to institute legitimate government; it is also required for the ongoing operations of government. True False