Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

Why did many colonists fight the British during the American Revolution?

1. They desired more land.

2. They opposed taxation without representation.

3. They wanted to expand slavery.

4. They supported British colonial policies.

The correct answer is: They opposed taxation without representation.

The choice that accurately reflects a primary motivation behind the colonists' decision to fight the British during the American Revolution is the opposition to taxation without representation. This phrase encapsulated the colonists' frustration and anger toward the British government, which imposed taxes on them without providing a voice in the legislative decisions that affected their lives. They believed it was fundamentally unjust to be taxed by a parliament in which they had no representatives, leading to a rallying cry for greater autonomy and rights. The issue of taxation without representation was central to several pivotal events, such as the Boston Tea Party and the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty, which protested British policies. These actions were driven by a desire for fair treatment and self-governance, ultimately resulting in the quest for independence from British rule. In contrast, the desire for more land, the expansion of slavery, or support for British colonial policies did not serve as primary catalysts for the revolution. While land expansion was a concern for many settlers in the colonies, it was not the main impetus for their fight against British authority. Additionally, the movement against British policies was largely rooted in a quest for equality and rights rather than support for those policies.