Section: American History: Colonial & Independence
77. Name one reason why the Americans declared independence from Britain.
Official answer
- • High taxes
- • Taxation without representation
- • British soldiers stayed in Americans' houses (boarding, quartering)
- • They did not have self-government
- • Boston Massacre
- • Boston Tea Party (Tea Act)
- • Stamp Act
- • Sugar Act
- • Townshend Acts
- • Intolerable (Coercive) Acts
Why
Reasons included high taxes, taxation without representation, and a lack of self-government.
Answers verified against USCIS materials. Last checked 2026-07-17.
Official source: USCIS — 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025)