Chapter 1 Flashcards
John Locke
English Philosopher who introduced the idea of natural rights and the social contract
Social Contract
A theory that individuals consent to surrender some freedoms to a government in exchange for the protection of their remaining rights
Inalienable Rights
Rights that cannot be surrendered, sold, or transferred
- Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
Stamp Act of 1765
A British tax imposed on the American colonies that required a tax stamp on printed materials, sparking protest.
Boston Tea Party
A protest against British taxation where American colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor in 1773.
Intolerable Acts
A series of punitive measures passed by the British Parliament in 1774 in response to the Boston Tea Party.
Second Continental Congress
Convened in 1775, it managed the colonial war effort and moved toward independence, adopting the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Declaration of Independence
Document declaring the American colonies independent from Britain, primarily authored by Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson
Main Author of the DOI
Constitutional Republic
A form of government in which officials are elected to represent the people and must govern according to existing constitutional law.
George Washington
Commander in Chief of the Revolutionary Army.
President of the Constitutional Convention.
First President of the United States.
Articles of Confederation
The first constitution of the United States, creating a weak central government, which was eventually replaced by the U.S. Constitution.
Shay’s Rebellion
A 1786 revolt by Massachusetts farmers against tax policies and economic injustices, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.
Constitutional Convention
The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where the U.S. Constitution was drafted.
James Madison
Main author of the Constitution, known as the “father of the constitution”
Virginia Plan
Proposal for a strong national government with representation based on state population
New Jersey Plan
A proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for all states.
Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)
An agreement providing for a two-house legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.
Executive Branch
The branch of government responsible for enforcing laws; headed by the President.
Legislative Branch
The branch of government responsible for making laws; composed of Congress
(House of Representatives and Senate).
Judicial Branch
The branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice.
Three-Fifths Compromise
An agreement that slaves would be counted as three-fifths of a person for determining representation and taxation.
Federalists
Supporters of the constitution who favored a strong central government
Anti-Federalists
Opponents of the Constitution who favored stronger state governments
