U.S. History STAAR ( State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

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Who said the quote, "...We shall be like a city upon a hill..."?

  1. Roger Williams

  2. William Penn

  3. John Winthrop

  4. Benjamin Franklin

The correct answer is: John Winthrop

The quote, "...We shall be like a city upon a hill..." is attributed to John Winthrop, who was a leading figure in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and served as its governor. This quote comes from his sermon "A Model of Christian Charity," delivered in 1630 aboard the Arbella before reaching New England. Winthrop used this metaphor to articulate the vision for the new settlement, emphasizing the idea that the Puritans would create a society that would serve as an example to others, reflecting their religious beliefs and communal values. The phrase has since become ingrained in American political and cultural discourse, symbolizing the idea of America as a model of democracy and a beacon for those seeking freedom and opportunity. Other individuals mentioned, such as Roger Williams and William Penn, were also important figures in early American history, known for their own distinct contributions, like advocating for religious freedom and the rights of Native Americans, respectively. Benjamin Franklin, on the other hand, was primarily known for his work as a statesman, inventor, and philosopher in the late 18th century and is not associated with this particular quote or context.