The Road to Independence
The main author of the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson
First major battle of the war.
Battle of Bunker Hill
Commander of the continental army and later first president of the US.
George Washington
Delegates chosen by states who represent the people's vote in choosing the president.
Electoral College
The Declaration of Independence was written in this city.
Philadelphia
This Christmas night battle in New Jersey was an important Patriot victory.
Battle of Trenton
Main author of the Constitution. Later became president.
James Madison
A presidential power to cancel a bill Congress passes.
Veto
Thomas Paine (anonymously) authored pamphlet arguing that citizens, not kings & queens, should make laws.
Common Sense
Turning point battle of the war. An important Patriot victory that showed the Patriots just might be able to win the war.
Battle of Saratoga
An important Founding Father. Was also a scientist, philosopher and first president of the U of Penn.
Benjamin Franklin
The sharing of power between the central government and the states.
Federalism
In April of 1775 he rode his horse from Boston to Concord to warn Patriots the British Army was coming to seize a weapons stockpile.
Paul Revere
The Continental Army wintered here in 1777-78. Although they suffered from the elements, hunger, and lack of clothing, they also drilled & became better soldiers.
Valley Forge
First VP and second President. Signer of Declaration of Independence
John Adams
Sharing of power. Keeps the three branches of government from becoming too powerful.
Checks & Balances
Two separate meeting of delegates from all colonies where they discussed how to respond to abuses from King George & the English Parliament.
First and Second Continental Congresses
After the Battle of Yorktown when Washington defeated the British with help from the French, this treaty was signed that officially ended the war.
Treaty of Paris of 1783
A Federalist who wanted a strong central government, he was President Washington's brilliant secretary of the treasury. Established America's banking and capitalist systems.
Alexander Hamilton
Contsitutional interpretation where the Federal government can take reasonable actions that the Constitution doesn't specificially forbid.
Loose Construction