The author writes that the Declaration of Independence was “used to raise an army, to protect a
rebellion that had just barely begun.”
Explain why the Declaration of Independence would be an effective tool in these efforts. Use information
from the passage to support your answer.



Answers should indicate that the Declaration of Independence reflected the
frustration of the colonists with the British King by listing a series of complaints that captured the “history
of repeated injuries and usurpations” the colonists suffered under the British monarchy. Since the
Declaration of Independence was read aloud throughout the colonies and built a tone of rage and
indignation the colonists could relate to, the colonists were most likely enraged upon hearing the
document read. They would most likely be motivated to join armies and fight against British rule.