Questions 11-20 are based on the following passages. These two letters are adapted from John Adams, Letters
of John Adams, Addressed to His Wife. Originally
published in 1841, Both of the letters were written to
Abigail Adams on July 3, 1776.
Passage 1 Yesterday, the greatest question was decided,
which ever was debated in America, and a greater,
perhaps, never was nor will be decided among men.
A Resolution was passed without one
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dissenting Colony “that these United Colonies are,
and of right ought to be, free and independent States,
and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full
power to make war, conclude peace, establish
commerce and to do all other acts and things which
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other States may rightfully do.” You will see, in a
few days, a Declaration setting forth the causes which
have impelled us to this mighty revolution, and the
reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and
man. A plan of confederation will be taken up in a
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few days.
When I look back to the year 1761 and recollect
the argument concerning writs of assistance in the
superior court, which I have hitherto considered as
the commencement of this controversy between
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Great Britain and America, and run through the
whole period, from that time to this, and recollect the
series of political events, the chain of causes and
effects, I am surprised at the suddenness, as well as
greatness of this revolution. Britain has been filled
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with folly, and America with wisdom; at least, this is
my judgement. Time must determine. It is the will of
Heaven that the two countries should be sundered
forever. It may be the will of Heaven that America
shall suffer calamities still more wasting, and
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distresses yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case,
it will have this good effect at least. It will inspire us
with many virtues, which we have not, and correct
many errors, follies and vices which threaten to
disturb, dishonour, and destroy us. The furnace of
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affliction produces refinement in states as well as
individuals. And the new Governments we are
assuming in every part will require a purification
from our vices, and an augmentation of our virtues,
or they will be no blessings. The people will have
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unbounded power, and the people are extremely
addicted to corruption and venality, as well as the
great. But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an
overruling providence, in which, unfashionable as the
faith may be, I firmly believe.