This Week in HistoryThis Week in History: Week 27 (4 July 1776)

Declaration Of Independence Approved

13 British colonies in North America claim independence from Great Britain.

In 1776, during the War for Independence, the Second Continental Congress, comprised of representatives from 13 British colonies in North America, approved the "Declaration of Independence" as drafted by Thomas Jefferson. The document claimed that if a government was tyrannical, the people had a right to overthrow it, and because of Great Britain's oppressive acts against them, the colonies had the right to declare themselves free and independent states.

Read a transcription of the Declaration of Independence here.

declaration of independence (noun): statement that a country is free from all others
approve (verb): give permission to do something
draft (verb): write out and prepare (a law, subject to its approval)
tyrannical (adjective): exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way
overthrow (verb): take over or bring down (a government)
oppressive (adjective): keeping others down; preventing others from doing what they want

Mini Quiz

1. The Declaration of Independence claimed people had the right to overthrow
a) 13 British colonies
b) free and independent states
c) tyrannical or oppressive governments

Show answer

c

2. The Declaration of Independence was approved in 1776 by
a) the Second Continental Congress
b) the British government
c) Thomas Jefferson

Show answer

a

3. Most tyrannical governments stay in power by
a) winning free and fair elections
b) committing oppressive acts
c) allowing protests against them

Show answer

b

Matt Errey Contributor: Matt Errey. Matt is the author of several books including 1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context and Common English Idioms for learners, and Matt's ESL Games and Quizzes for teachers.