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Quizzes > History

Declaration of Independence quiz: 10 questions on signers and impact

10 quick questions on Declaration of Independence trivia. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Siti WikanUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration of Declaration of Independence quiz with scroll, quill, signer icons on coral background

This Declaration of Independence quiz helps you check your knowledge of its drafting, key signers, and lasting impact in 10 quick questions. Get instant results, see what you missed, and keep learning with the Revolutionary War quiz, a broader US history quiz, or some American history trivia.

On what date did the Continental Congress officially adopt the Declaration of Independence?
July 4, 1776
July 14, 1776
June 11, 1776
July 2, 1776
The Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, marking the birth of the United States as an independent nation. The date commemorates the approval of the document announcing separation from Great Britain by the Congressional delegates. This adoption is celebrated annually as Independence Day in the United States.
Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
George Washington
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson was selected by the Committee of Five to draft the Declaration of Independence. His clear writing style and familiarity with Enlightenment ideas made him the ideal choice. After Jefferson wrote the initial draft, it was reviewed and edited by other committee members and by Congress.
How many representatives ultimately signed the Declaration of Independence?
60
50
56
45
A total of 56 delegates signed the Declaration of Independence. These signers represented the thirteen American colonies in Congress. The signatures symbolize the unified stand for independence from British rule.
Where did the signing of the Declaration of Independence primarily take place?
Carpenters' Hall in Philadelphia
Federal Hall in New York
Old State House in Boston
Independence Hall in Philadelphia
The Declaration was debated and signed at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, which served as the Pennsylvania State House. This building was the meeting place of the Continental Congress in 1776. Independence Hall later became a national symbol of American freedom.
Which committee was responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence?
Committee of Five
Second Continental Congress
Continental Committee
First Continental Congress
The Committee of Five - Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston - was appointed to draft the Declaration. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the initial draft, which was then reviewed by the other committee members. After revisions, the draft was presented to the full Congress for edits and approval.
Which of the following phrases is found in the opening line of the Declaration?
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness
Governments are instituted
We hold these truths
All men are created equal
The phrase "all men are created equal" appears in the famous opening line of the Declaration of Independence. It expresses the Enlightenment idea that no individual is inherently superior to another. This principle became a foundational ideal in American political thought.
What was the primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
To abolish slavery
To propose a new federal constitution
To sever political ties with Britain
To form an alliance with France
The main goal of the Declaration was to officially announce the American colonies' separation from British rule. It set forth the philosophical justification for independence and outlined the injustices committed by King George III. This announcement was intended to persuade other nations to support the new United States.
Which colony was the first to authorize its delegates to vote for independence?
New York
Massachusetts
Virginia
Pennsylvania
Virginia's Convention in May 1776 instructed its delegates in Congress to propose independence. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia followed those instructions by introducing the Lee Resolution. This move set the stage for Congress to debate and eventually declare independence.
Which state had the most signers of the Declaration of Independence?
Pennsylvania
New York
Massachusetts
Virginia
Pennsylvania had nine signers, more than any other colony. These included Benjamin Franklin and Robert Morris among others. Their delegation reflected Pennsylvania's size and importance in the Continental Congress.
Who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence?
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Jefferson
Charles Carroll of Carrollton
John Adams
Charles Carroll of Carrollton lived until 1832, outlasting all other signers. He was a wealthy Maryland planter and politician. His longevity provided a living link to the Revolutionary era.
What was the original title of the Declaration before it was shortened?
An Address to the King
The unanimous declaration
A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America
Articles of Confederation
The full title was "A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress Assembled." It expressed that the document spoke for all united colonies. Over time, it was abbreviated for convenience to the Declaration of Independence.
Which philosophical work most influenced Thomas Jefferson's ideas in the Declaration?
Rousseau's Social Contract
Montesquieu's Spirit of Laws
Hobbes' Leviathan
John Locke's Two Treatises of Government
Jefferson drew heavily on John Locke's theory of natural rights and the social contract. Locke argued that life, liberty, and property were inalienable rights. Jefferson adapted Locke's ideas into the phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
Where did Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence?
Monticello, Virginia
Independence Hall, Philadelphia
Graff House in Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin's home
Jefferson wrote his initial draft while lodging at the Graff House near Independence Hall in Philadelphia. He worked from notes and ideas discussed by Congress members. The draft was then reviewed by the Committee of Five and by Congress itself.
Which printing press produced the first official broadside copies of the Declaration?
Isaiah Thomas
Robert Aitken
John Dunlap
Benjamin Franklin's Press
On the night of July 4, 1776, John Dunlap printed around 200 broadsides for distribution. These first official copies are known as the Dunlap broadsides. They were circulated among the colonies and to military forces.
Which colonial body voted to approve the Declaration before it reached the printer?
Articles of Confederation Convention
Second Continental Congress
First Continental Congress
Continental Association
The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in 1776 and debated the Declaration. After editing and debate, delegates voted on July 2 and formally adopted the document on July 4. The approved text was then sent to John Dunlap's press for printing.
Which of these rights is NOT explicitly mentioned in the Declaration?
Equality under the law
Freedom of religion
Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness
Consent of the governed
The Declaration lists "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness" and affirms government by consent. It does not specifically mention freedom of religion, though that right appears in the First Amendment later. The phrase equality under the law and consent of the governed are implicit themes but not listed as inalienable rights.
Who introduced the resolution for American independence to the Continental Congress?
John Adams
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Franklin
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposed the resolution declaring the colonies independent. This resolution led to the drafting and adoption of the Declaration. Lee's motion shifted the debate toward formal separation from Britain.
On what date did Richard Henry Lee present his resolution for independence?
July 4, 1776
May 10, 1775
June 7, 1776
August 2, 1776
Richard Henry Lee introduced his independence resolution to Congress on June 7, 1776. This date marks the formal proposal that prompted debate over separation. Congress deferred a decision until they had a drafted declaration to review.
Approximately how many copies of the Declaration (known as Dunlap broadsides) were printed on July 5, 1776?
100
1000
500
200
John Dunlap printed about 200 broadsides overnight on July 5, 1776, to distribute the Declaration. These were the first public copies of the document. Only a few original Dunlap broadsides survive today.
Who was responsible for engrossing the official parchment copy of the Declaration?
Timothy Matlack
John Trumbull
Thomas Lynch Jr.
William Whipple
Timothy Matlack, a clerk in the Pennsylvania Assembly, engrossed the official parchment copy of the Declaration in fair, flowing script. This handwritten version was signed by the delegates. The engrossed copy is the one on display at the National Archives.
How many drafts did Thomas Jefferson reportedly write before the final version?
Three
One
Two
Five
Jefferson is believed to have composed two major drafts of the Declaration before it was submitted to the Committee of Five. The first draft reflected his initial thoughts, and the second incorporated committee edits. Further minor changes were made by Congress before adoption.
Who was the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Lynch Jr.
Edward Rutledge
John Hancock
Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Lynch Jr. of South Carolina was just twenty-six years old when he signed the Declaration, making him the youngest signer. He represented South Carolina but later suffered illness that forced his retirement from public life. His youth highlights the range of ages among the delegates.
What happened to the original engrossed parchment copy of the Declaration after signing?
It was destroyed in a fire
It was printed immediately for distribution
It was sent to King George III
It went missing and was later rediscovered
After the signing, the original parchment was stored in the State Department and then disappeared from public view for decades. It resurfaced in 1833 and was later relocated to the National Archives. Its disappearance and recovery make it one of the most famous documents in American history.
When was the official Declaration engrossed for the signers to sign?
July 4, 1776
June 11, 1776
August 2, 1776
September 17, 1776
Although Congress approved the Declaration on July 4, the official parchment was engrossed and signed starting August 2, 1776. The delay allowed Timothy Matlack to prepare the formal handwritten copy. That engrossed version is the one preserved in the National Archives.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Founding Fathers -

    Recognize key signers from the signing of the Declaration of Independence and their roles in shaping the nation.

  2. Recall Drafting Timeline -

    Trace the major steps in drafting, debating, and adopting the Declaration of Independence during 1776.

  3. Understand Core Principles -

    Grasp the Enlightenment ideas and specific grievances that justified the colonies' break from Britain.

  4. Analyze Foundational Language -

    Examine iconic phrases and their significance in articulating the colonists' demands for self-governance.

  5. Evaluate Lasting Legacy -

    Assess how the Declaration's ideals influenced subsequent US history and inspired global democratic movements.

  6. Enhance US History Trivia Skills -

    Apply your knowledge in a fun quiz format to improve retention and performance on US history quizzes.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Enlightenment Foundations -

    The Declaration of Independence draws on John Locke's ideas of natural rights - "life, liberty, and property," later adapted to "pursuit of happiness." Sources like the National Archives and Yale's Avalon Project show how Locke and Montesquieu shaped the colonies' arguments. Remember these Enlightenment roots when answering questions for the Declaration of Independence to boost your US history quiz confidence.

  2. Committee of Five Drafting -

    Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston formed the Committee of Five that drafted the document in June 1776. A handy mnemonic - "FJASL" - can help you recall their surnames for founding fathers quiz questions. The Library of Congress archives reveal how Congress revised Jefferson's text to finalize the Declaration.

  3. 56 Signers & Regional Balance -

    Fifty-six delegates from all 13 colonies signed the Declaration, reflecting geographical unity. From John Hancock's bold autograph in Massachusetts to Button Gwinnett in Georgia, each signature carried political risk, as noted by reputable university research archives. Quizzers often ask which colony had the most signers, so keep that fact in mind during declaration of independence trivia.

  4. Document Structure & Grievance List -

    The Declaration's four-part structure - preamble, statement of rights, list of grievances, and declaration of independence - follows a logical flow outlined by historians at Harvard's Houghton Library. Use the phrase "Brief Rights, Wrongs, Resolve" to remember these sections for the declaration of independence quiz. Key grievances include "taxation without representation" and "quartering troops," so spotlight these in your review.

  5. Legacy & Global Impact -

    Beyond US borders, the Declaration inspired revolutions in France, Latin America, and beyond, as documented by the Smithsonian's history research services. In US history quiz contexts, note its role as a living document that influenced the Constitution and Bill of Rights. Keep in mind the annual public readings on July 4th as enduring celebrations of these ideals.

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