Question

Lee Resolution (1776)
adapted from National Archives

During the Second Continental Congress on June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee proposed independence for the colonies. Shortly after, Congress appointed three committees to draw up plans for addressing each part of the Lee Resolution. After congressional members received approval from constituents,1 a vote was held on July 1, 1776, with twelve colonies voting to pass the resolution. On July 9, 1776, the newly elected New York Convention cast the thirteenth vote to uphold the Declaration of Independence.

That these United Colonies are free and independent States, that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved. That measures should be immediately taken for procuring the assistance of foreign powers. Additionally, a confederation should be formed to bind the colonies more closely together.
That it is expedient to take the most effectual measures for forming foreign Alliances.
That a plan of confederation be prepared and transmitted to the Colonies for their consideration and approbation.2

1. member of a constituency; a voter
2. approval or praise

Passage 2

Letter of Protest from Queen Liliuokalani
adapted from National Archives

Due to western expansion during the 19th century, Americans came to control both the economy and politics of Hawaii. In 1891, when Queen Liliuokalani took Hawaii's throne, she tried to reassert her power as Hawaii's leader and claim sovereignty for Native Hawaiians. After being deposed1 by a small group of American businessmen, supported by American diplomats and the United States Navy, she wrote the following letter to the House of Representatives.

I, Liliuokalani of Hawaii, named heir apparent on the 10th day of April, 1877, and proclaimed Queen of the Hawaiian Islands on January 29, 1891, do hereby earnestly and respectfully protest against the assertion of ownership by the United States of America of the so-called Hawaiian Crown Islands amounting to about one million acres and which are my property. I especially protest against such assertion of ownership as a taking of property without due process of law and without just or other compensation.
Therefore, supplementing my protest of June 17, 1897, I call upon the President and the National Legislature and the People of the United States to do justice in this matter. Restore to me this property, the enjoyment of which is being withheld from me by your Government under what must be a misapprehension2 of my right and title.

1. remove from office suddenly and forcefully
2. a mistaken belief
8Question 8
Which excerpt from the "Letter of Protest from Queen Liliuokalani" best helps develop the claim that Queen Liliuokalani is the rightful ruler of Hawaii?
A.
. . . supplementing my protest of June 17, 1897, I call upon the President and the National Legislature and the People of the United States to do justice in this matter.
B.
. . . protest against the assertion of ownership by the United States of America of the so-called Hawaiian Crown Islands . . .
C.
I especially protest against such assertion of ownership as a taking of property without due process of law . . .
D.
I, Liliuokalani of Hawaii, named heir apparent on the 10th day of April, 1877, and proclaimed Queen of the Hawaiian Islands on January 29, 1891 . . .
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Answer 1

D

Explanation: Option D directly states her legitimate authority—named heir apparent and proclaimed Queen—supporting the claim that she is the rightful ruler. Options B and C focus on property and legal process, and A is a plea for justice.