Florida Civic Literacy Exam (FCLE) Study Guide |
153 Verified Questions with 100% Correct Answers
| 2026 Complete Exam Preparation Material
1. What is the primary purpose of the Declaration of
Independence?
A. To establish a new national government
B. To announce and justify the American colonies’
separation from Great Britain
C. To create a military alliance with France
D. To end slavery in the colonies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration was
not a governing document but a formal explanation of
why the colonies were breaking political ties with Britain,
listing grievances against King George III.
2. According to the Declaration, which of the following is
NOT listed as an “unalienable Right”?
1
,A. Life
B. Liberty
C. Property
D. The pursuit of Happiness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Declaration states “Life, Liberty, and the
pursuit of Happiness.” John Locke’s version included
“property,” but Jefferson changed it.
3. Who was the primary author of the Declaration of
Independence?
A. John Adams
B. Benjamin Franklin
C. Thomas Jefferson
D. George Washington
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Jefferson was chosen by the Committee of Five
to draft the document; his writing style and philosophical
depth shaped the final text.
2
,4. The Declaration argues that governments derive their
just powers from what source?
A. Divine right of kings
B. Military strength
C. The consent of the governed
D. Hereditary succession
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This reflects popular sovereignty—the idea
that government’s legitimacy comes from the people’s
agreement.
5. Which English philosopher most influenced the
Declaration of Independence?
A. Thomas Hobbes
B. John Locke
C. David Hume
D. Edmund Burke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Locke’s Second Treatise of Government argued
3
, for natural rights and the right to revolution against unjust
rulers.
6. The Declaration states that when a government
becomes destructive of unalienable rights, the people
have the right to:
A. Petition for redress
B. File a lawsuit
C. Alter or abolish it
D. Pay higher taxes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This justifies revolution—if government violates
natural rights, citizens may replace or remove it.
7. Which of the following grievances appears in the
Declaration?
A. Imposing taxes without consent
B. Quartering soldiers in private homes
C. Dissolving representative houses repeatedly
D. All of the above
4
153 Verified Questions with 100% Correct Answers
| 2026 Complete Exam Preparation Material
1. What is the primary purpose of the Declaration of
Independence?
A. To establish a new national government
B. To announce and justify the American colonies’
separation from Great Britain
C. To create a military alliance with France
D. To end slavery in the colonies
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Adopted on July 4, 1776, the Declaration was
not a governing document but a formal explanation of
why the colonies were breaking political ties with Britain,
listing grievances against King George III.
2. According to the Declaration, which of the following is
NOT listed as an “unalienable Right”?
1
,A. Life
B. Liberty
C. Property
D. The pursuit of Happiness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Declaration states “Life, Liberty, and the
pursuit of Happiness.” John Locke’s version included
“property,” but Jefferson changed it.
3. Who was the primary author of the Declaration of
Independence?
A. John Adams
B. Benjamin Franklin
C. Thomas Jefferson
D. George Washington
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Jefferson was chosen by the Committee of Five
to draft the document; his writing style and philosophical
depth shaped the final text.
2
,4. The Declaration argues that governments derive their
just powers from what source?
A. Divine right of kings
B. Military strength
C. The consent of the governed
D. Hereditary succession
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This reflects popular sovereignty—the idea
that government’s legitimacy comes from the people’s
agreement.
5. Which English philosopher most influenced the
Declaration of Independence?
A. Thomas Hobbes
B. John Locke
C. David Hume
D. Edmund Burke
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Locke’s Second Treatise of Government argued
3
, for natural rights and the right to revolution against unjust
rulers.
6. The Declaration states that when a government
becomes destructive of unalienable rights, the people
have the right to:
A. Petition for redress
B. File a lawsuit
C. Alter or abolish it
D. Pay higher taxes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: This justifies revolution—if government violates
natural rights, citizens may replace or remove it.
7. Which of the following grievances appears in the
Declaration?
A. Imposing taxes without consent
B. Quartering soldiers in private homes
C. Dissolving representative houses repeatedly
D. All of the above
4
