Let’s go step by step to fill in the blanks using what we know about American history.
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1. In 1776, ______ wrote the pamphlet *Common Sense*.
We know that Thomas Paine wrote a famous pamphlet called *Common Sense* in 1776. It helped convince many colonists to support independence from Britain.
✔ Answer:
Thomas Paine
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2. ______ was the president of the Second Continental Congress when the Declaration of Independence was written.
The Second Continental Congress met during the Revolutionary War. John Hancock was its president at the time — he’s also famous for his big signature on the Declaration!
✔ Answer:
John Hancock
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3. The Second Continental Congress met in the city of ______.
The Second Continental Congress first met in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That’s where they signed the Declaration of Independence too.
✔ Answer:
Philadelphia
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4. ______ wrote the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft of the Declaration of Independence. He worked with others, but he did most of the writing.
✔ Answer:
Thomas Jefferson
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5. ______ is famous for signing his name prominently.
Again, this is John Hancock — his signature on the Declaration is so big and bold that people still say “put your John Hancock” when they mean “sign your name.”
✔ Answer:
John Hancock
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6. Two members of the Second Continental Congress became President. They are ______ and ______.
Two men who were in the Second Continental Congress later became U.S. Presidents:
- John Adams (he was there and became the 2nd president)
- Thomas Jefferson (also there, became the 3rd president)
✔ Answers:
John Adams and
Thomas Jefferson
*(Note: George Washington was also involved early on, but he wasn’t technically a member of the Second Continental Congress when it declared independence — he was commanding the army. So stick with Adams and Jefferson.)*
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7. ______ signed the Declaration of Independence and wrote *Poor Richard’s Almanack*.
Benjamin Franklin signed the Declaration and was also famous for publishing *Poor Richard’s Almanack*, which had wise sayings and weather forecasts.
✔ Answer:
Benjamin Franklin
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8. The ______ Party in 1770s was an important secret leading up to the writing of the Declaration of Independence.
This refers to the Sons of Liberty — a secret group that protested British taxes and laws before the Revolution. They helped organize events like the Boston Tea Party.
✔ Answer:
Sons of Liberty
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Final Answer:
1. Thomas Paine
2. John Hancock
3. Philadelphia
4. Thomas Jefferson
5. John Hancock
6. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
7. Benjamin Franklin
8. Sons of Liberty
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of understanding the declaration of independence worksheet.
