11.1 Study Guide Flashcards
Mayflower Compact
The first written document for self-government.
List the reasons why Europeans came to America
To make money, have freedom of religion and political freedom.
Stamp Act
Requires stamps to be placed on all printed documents. Angered colonists the most because it was a direct tax.
Boston Massacre
On March 5, 1770, a colonial protest of British soldiers that turns violent.
Boston Tea Party
The Sons of Liberty dressed as Mohawk Indians, sneaking aboard ships, and
dumping 350 chests of tea into the sea.
Where did the first fighting of the American Revolution take place?
Lexington and Concord
What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
To list the reasons why the colonists wanted to separate from England.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Consent of the Governed
Where the people give permission to be ruled or governed, promised to obey the laws, and in return the government protects the people
List the reasons why the colonists wanted to separate from England.
- Taxation without representation
- Restricted trade with other countries
- Not allowed to have a local government.
Why did many Americans believe they were justified in declaring independence?
Because the British government taxed the colonies without direct representation in parliament.
The political ideas of Thomas Jefferson were influenced by what movement?
The Enlightenment, specifically John Locke (all men are created equal).
John Locke
Believed in social contract, natural rights, and the right to change the government.
Natural Rights
The belief that all people have the rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness that cannot be taken away.
Separation of Powers
Three equal branches of government. The Judicial (interprets laws/run by supreme court) , The Executive (enforces laws and headed by the president), and The Legislative (congress and makes laws).
Why did many Americans want to get rid of the Articles of Confederation?
Congress agrees that the it made the government too weak.
Checks and Balances
Prevent one branch from becoming more powerful than the other.
Anti-Federalists
Americans who were against the signing of the constitution because they were afraid that a strong government would threaten the rights of the individual.
Federalists
The group of Americans who wanted a strong national government and to pass the Constitution.
Bill of Rights
The first 10 amendments which protect individuals rights and freedoms
1st Amendment
Freedom of speech, freedom of religion
What was the biggest challenge facing the nation following the adoption of the Constitution?
The power of the states vs the power of the federal government.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Resolved the issue of how enslaved people should be counted in the population.
What was the most important cause of the Civil War?
The South calls for asecession from the nation because they believed the North was acting beyond its authority.
