How many American colonies declared their independence in 1776, stating that people had a right to establish their own governments?

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Multiple Choice

How many American colonies declared their independence in 1776, stating that people had a right to establish their own governments?

The key idea is that the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and twelve colonies voted in favor of independence that day. The document asserts that people have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their authority from the governed; once a government fails to protect those rights, people may establish a new one. New York did not vote at that moment and thus was not counted among the twelve on July 4, though it later approved the declaration. So, twelve colonies declared independence in 1776.

The key idea is that the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, and twelve colonies voted in favor of independence that day. The document asserts that people have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and that governments derive their authority from the governed; once a government fails to protect those rights, people may establish a new one. New York did not vote at that moment and thus was not counted among the twelve on July 4, though it later approved the declaration. So, twelve colonies declared independence in 1776.

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