Am Revolution Flashcards
Articles of Confederation
- First constitution of US, creating a weak government. Replaced by Constitution 1789 due to inability to effectively govern
Battle of Lexington / Concord
- Start of American Revolution War.
First military engagement between Britain and American colonists
Battle of Saratoga
- Crucial turning point in American Rev. Ended in a decisive American victory, convincing France formally ally with US
Battle of Yorktown
- Final major battle of American Rev. American and French forces defeated British, leading to eventual surrender of British General Cornwallis and securing independence for US
Bill of Rights
- 10th amendment, guaranteeing fundamental rights like freedom of speech, religious. Created to protect individual liberties and limit government power
Checks and balances
System in US government that prevents any branch from becoming too powerful by allowing each branch to limit actions of others
Constitution
- Supreme law of US, establishing framework for federal government and outlining rights of citizens. Created system of checks and balances
Constitutional Convention
1787 in Philadelphia. Delegates gathered to address weaknesses of Articles of Confederation. Resulting in drafting US constitution
Lord Charles Cornwall
British Army officer and colonial admin during American Rev. Known for his tole in Siege of Yorktown 1781, where his surrender to American and French forces effectively ended the war
Declaration of independence
- Document American used to declare independence. Drafted by Thomas Jeff.
Enlightenment
- Age of reasoning, influencing modern democracies and ideas about liberty and rights
Federalism
System or government in which power is divided between central authority and individual states. Allows states to exercise certain powers independently while federal government handles national issues
Federalist papers
- 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Published to promote ratification of US constitution and explain principles of proposed government, advocating for a strong central authority
Franco-American Alliance
- Military alliance between US and France. Provided crucial support America needed including aid and recognition of American socereignty
George 3
- Developed Stamp Act and Townshend. His actions lead to colonies declaring for independence
Alexander Hamilton
Founding father of US and first secretary of Treasury. Key architect of American financial system, advocating for strong central government, a national bank, and assumption of state debts while also being prominent author of Federalist Papers
Thomas Jefferson
A key Founding Father. Drafted Declaration of Independence and promoted individual rights, religious freedom, and separation of church and state
Magna Carta
Signed 1215. Foundational document in history of Democracy and constitutional law. Everyone has to follow the law
John Locke
English philosopher whose ideas greatly influenced Enlightenment and development of modern political thoughts. Ideas of natural rights
Baron de Montesquieu
French philosopher known for ideas of separation of powers, outlined in his work “The Spirit of the Law”. Influenced US Constitution and establishment of checks and balances
Northwest Ordinance
- provided method of admitting new states to Union and set important precedents for land policy, public edu, and prohibition of slavery in territory
Preamble (Constitution)
Introductory statement that outlines document’s purpose and guiding principles. Emphasizes goals like promoting justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing common defense and securing blessings of liberty
Popular Sovereignty
Principle that authority of a government is created and sustained by consent of people through election. Consent was foundational in formatting US government
2nd Continental Congress
Convened in 1775, shortly after Rev started. Serviced as governing body of American colonies. Managed the colonial war effort, appointing George Washington as commander of Continental Army, and adapted Declaration of Independence in 1776
Veto
Power of executive authority, such as president or governor, to reject a proposed law or bill passed by legislative branch. President can veto legislation, which Congress can override with 2/3 majority in both houses
George Washington
First president, and key leader during American Rev War. Often referred to as “Father of His Country”. Crucial in founding nation, presiding over Constitutional Convention and establishing many precedents for the presidency
Year of Declaration of Independence
1776
Year of Cornwall surrender at Yorktown
1781
Constitution Ratified, George Washington takes office year
1789
Purpose of declaration of independence
- Justify US’s decision to break away from
Britain - Government are legitimate only if they protect people
- People can rebel when government doesn’t protect
Townshend Act
1767 tax on British glass, lead, paper, and tea
Stamp Act
1765, required legal documents to have an official stamp
Missouri Compromise
1820 allowed Missouri to join as slave state and Maine becomes free state. Banned slavery north of 36* 30’ line
