Revolution Vocabulary Flashcards
Stamp Act
Taxed all legal documents, newspapers, pamphlets, decks of cards, and dice because it makes the U.S. more dependent on Britain.
Proclamation Line
Forbade Americans from settling in certain Western Lands because it is a further distance from Britain, and they could not tax there.
Quartering Act
Required Colonists to allow British soldiers to stay in their homes because it saved money on building houses and kept an eye on colonists.
Declaratory Act
Parliament has power to pass laws for Colonies because it keeps Britain superior and Britain doesn’t need to appeal to colonists needs.
Boston Massacre
When British troops opened fire and killed 5 people.
Tea Act
Colonists tossed tea into the Harbor against Tea Tax
Intolerable Acts
Limited local Massachusetts government and closed the Boston Harbor. Britain’s way of getting back at colonists for the Tea Act.
Sugar Act
Stopped smuggling of goods in and out of colonies. British Navy could search any ships. Taxed clothing, sugar, coffee, and wine coming into colonies. Britain wanted more control of Colonies.
What is the purpose of the First Continental Congress?
Creating a Unified American Government to begin life away from England.
What is the purpose of the Second Continental Congress?
To rebel against the British. The colonists wanted to completely break off Britain.
Natural Rights
It is the government’s purpose to protect natural rights of Life, Liberty and Property, but only applied to white men with property.
Higher Law
English law is the highest law, colonial government had no power. Both could not violate the English Constitution.
Separation of Powers
Government is divided into 3 branches so power could not be abused.
Executive Branch
Enforces Laws
Legislative Branch
Makes Laws
