Name ______Bell______Date______

1776 Questions

Respond to each question using complete sentences unless otherwise directed. No Pronouns.

  1. In the opening scene why is John Adams upset with Congress? What does he want them to do and what do they want him to do?
  1. With whom does John Adams have an ongoing conversation about the 2nd Continental Congress?
  1. What will be Richard Henry Lee’s role be in proposing independence and why was it so important Virginia make the proposal?
  1. What did everyone want to know when they met Dr. Hall of Georgia?
  1. How does George Washington describe his army and its chances against the British?
  1. In the first vote what colonies were against talking about independence? Which colonies were fortalking about independence?
  1. List an argumentfor voting for independence.
  1. List an argumentagainst voting for independence
  1. What colony’s delegation shows up just before the vote on declaring independence? What effect do they have on the vote?
  1. Why was the vote on independence delayed?
  1. Who is assigned to the committee given the task of writing the Declaration of Independence.
  1. Who is chosen to write the Declaration? Why was John Adams not chosen?
  1. “A charming form of government full of variety and disorder” Plato - Who quotes Plato wondering if “Plato had ever been to Philadelphia?”
  1. What is wrong with Caesar Rodney?
  1. Why will Samuel Chase of Maryland not support independence?
  1. Why will Rutledge of South Carolina not support independence? What will it take for him to change his position.
  1. What bird does Franklin suggest as the national Bird?
  1. What happens after the first reading of the Declaration of Independence?
  1. What is Mr. Dickinson’s objection to the Declaration? Does Jefferson agree to the change?
  1. What does Mr. Rutledge of South Carolina want removed from the language of the Declaration of Independence?
  1. What business arrangement does Rutledge point to which he claims makes the north a part of the slave trade?
  1. What do the delegations of North and South Carolina along with Georgia do when Adams resists the removal of the language on slave trade?
  1. Why does Franklin tell Adams the clause about slavery must be removed?
  1. “a representative not only owes the people his industry but his judgement and he betrays them if he sacrifices it to their opinion” (Edmund Burke) How does this idea/quote effect Dr. Hall’s and Georgia’s vote?
  1. What happens to get Delaware to vote for Independence?
  1. Which Colony does not vote either for or against independence?
  1. What action gets both South Carolina and North Carolina to vote for independence?
  1. Who finally convinces John Adams to agree to the removal of the language on slavery?
  1. Who casts the deciding vote for independence? Why does he vote yes?
  1. Which member of the Congress does not sign the Declaration of Independence even though he agrees to join the army and fight for what he believes to be a losing cause?
  1. What college did Thomas Jefferson attend?
  1. What reason does John Hancock give for signing his name in large script?