Early America Flashcards
Articles Of Confederation
-our government’s first attempt to create a government for the country
*intentionally made weak!
The Articles of Confederation were approved by the _____ states in _______.
13, 1781
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation
-quarrels over boundary lines
-disputes over trade
-no officials to ensure laws were carried out
-9 of 13 states had to unanimously agree to pass a law
-no national courts
-Congress had no money to pay country’s debts or soldiers & no way to carry out needed government activities
pamphlet “common sense”
-written by Thomas Paine, this pamphlet described how the people needed to revolt against the British because of no rights and unfair taxes
-demanded rights for independence and freedom from tyranny
Declaration of Independence
-a list of grievances against Great Britain, announcing and explaining their departure from Great Britain.
-the founding document of the United States
-explains the idea that the purpose of government is to protect human rights
What are the three main ideas of the Declaration of Independence?
(1) God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness;
(2) the main business of government is to protect these rights;
(3) if a government tries to withhold these rights, the people are free to revolt and to set up a new government.
Why were the Articles of Confederation replaced?
they were too weak-replaced by Constitution
Where does government receive its power?
the Constitution
What was agreed upon on the Mayflower?
consent to be ruled by governmnet
popular sovereignty
-the consent to be governned
When did the colonists break free from Britain?
July 4, 1776
