These United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States . . . they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown . . . as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. What is the meaning of this passage? Check all that apply. The Colonies remain a servant to Great Britain. The Colonies have all the power of any other independent nation. The Colonies are not free or independent. The Colonies would like to be allies with the British in the future. The Colonies are declaring independence..
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The passage you provided is a declaration of independence from Great Britain, asserting the right of the American colonies to be free and independent states. The correct interpretations from the options you listed are:
- The Colonies have all the power of any other independent nation.
- The Colonies are declaring independence.
Explanation
The statement encapsulates the core ideas of the Declaration of Independence, a foundational document in American history that was adopted on July 4, 1776. The phrase “these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States” explicitly declares that the colonies no longer recognize British authority and asserts their right to self-govern. This is a critical assertion that they are no longer subjects of the British Crown.
By stating that they are “Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown,” the colonies emphasize that they are severing all political ties and obligations to Great Britain. This indicates a complete break and signifies that they no longer accept British laws or governance.
The next part of the passage lists the powers that come with independence: “to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce.” These actions are typical of sovereign nations, indicating that the colonies now see themselves as capable of functioning as an independent entity, with the authority to engage in diplomatic and military affairs as they see fit.
The other options you provided—such as the idea that the colonies remain a servant to Great Britain, that they are not free or independent, or that they desire to ally with the British in the future—are incorrect. These statements contradict the central premise of the passage, which is a definitive assertion of independence and autonomy. The overall tone is one of empowerment and the embrace of self-determination, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for independence.