DOI, TOP, AOC, CON Flashcards
Who wrote the DOI?
Thomas Jefferson
When was the DOI written
July 4, 1776
What did it say?
King George III had violated rights of the colonists and was being a tyrant. Spoke about natural rights and property rights. Shaped by John Locke.
What is the purpose of the government according to the DOI?
Protect the rights of the people and that individual rights are more important than obligations to the state.
When was the Treaty of Paris signed?
September 3, 1783
What did the TOP accomplish?
Ended the Revolutionary War
What did the TOP say?
Colonists were independent; Miss. Riv was western border, Florida to Spain, African and Caribbean colonies back to France,
When did the last British troops evacuate America?
November 24, 1783
When/Who wrote AOC
Continental Congress- November 15, 1777
When did AOC go into effect?
March 1, 1781 (ratified by 13 states)
What did the AOC accomplish?
Prevented central gov. from taking too much power- Congressional body of elected officials- states had final authority
Flaws with the AOC
weak alliances between states made enforcing laws/settling disputes difficult
The Constitution
12/13 states (no Rhode Island)- Philly May 1787- kept proceedings secret
Proposals of Constitution
- strong central government
- overall power limited
- balanced power b/t branches
- Final power to citizens who voted in officials
3 Responses to Constitution
- Virginia Plan -New Jersey Plan - Great Compromise
Virginia Plan
Edmond Randolph (governor)- rep. based on population
New Jersey Plan
William Paterson- each state had equal rep
Great Compromise
Great Compromise- Roger Sherman- each state equal rep in Senate, HOR based on population- HOR responsible for financial matters
3/5s Compromise
N/S disagree about slaves counting towards population- South wanted delegates wanted slaves to count for representation, not taxation- North wanted opposites- 3/5 of slaves count for rep and taxation
Commerce Compromise
N/S disagreement- N economy was industry and trade. S economy was argri- N wanted gov. to regulate exports and trade bt states- S disagreed- Congress received full power over all trade, including tariffs, but slaves could continue for 20 years w/o intervention until 1808
Objections to Constitution
- No bill of rights to protect ind. freedoms - too much power to central gov. - voters wanted more control over elected reps.
