When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

• A. July 4, 1776
• B. July 4, 1775
• C. September 17, 1787
• D. January 1, 1800

Answer: (A)

The date being tested is the moment the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, declaring the colonies free from Britain. This adoption occurred on July 4, 1776, and is the reason that date is celebrated as Independence Day. The signing happened over the following weeks, with many delegates affixing their signatures on August 2, 1776, and others adding theirs later. The other dates don’t mark the adoption: July 4, 1775 would be a year too early, September 17, 1787 is when the Constitution was signed, and January 1, 1800 has no direct link to this event.

The date being tested is the moment the Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia, declaring the colonies free from Britain. This adoption occurred on July 4, 1776, and is the reason that date is celebrated as Independence Day. The signing happened over the following weeks, with many delegates affixing their signatures on August 2, 1776, and others adding theirs later. The other dates don’t mark the adoption: July 4, 1775 would be a year too early, September 17, 1787 is when the Constitution was signed, and January 1, 1800 has no direct link to this event.