Important Virginians
Who was elected as the first U.S. president and is known as the "Father of Our Country?"
George Washington
Who wrote the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom?
Thomas Jefferson
What document gave a plan for the national government, is still the supreme law of the nation today, and protects the rights and property of U.S. citizens?
Constitution of the United States
Settlers migrating west to new lands crossed the Appalachian Mountains through the -
Cumberland Gap
Who kept detailed notes and used his skills at compromise to help delegates reach an agreement at the Constitutional Convention?
Also known as the "Father of the Constitution"
James Madison
Who wrote the Virginia Declaration of Rights?
George Mason
What document contains the first 10 amendments (changes) to the Constitution of the United States and promises personal rights and freedoms for Americans?
Was inspired by the Virginia Declaration of Rights and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom
Bill of Rights
What are two reasons why people moved west after the American Revolution?
Virginians migrated into western territories to look for large areas of land and new opportunities.
Tobacco farming was hard on the soil, causing many farmers to look west and south for new land to farm.
The cotton gin made harvesting cotton easier, leading to the production of more cotton in the south and attracting many Virginians.
The mechanical reaper helped grow more wheat with fewer works, causing many Virginians to leave the state in search of jobs.
What are the three branches of government formed from James Madison's Virginia Plan?
executive, judicial, legislative
What document inspired the First Amendment freedom in the Bill of Rights and says that people have the personal choice to worship, or not worship, however they wish?
Virignia Statute for Religious Freedom
What document was written by Thomas Jefferson, said people rather than kings should govern, and stated that people have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?
Declaration of Independence
How were many enslaved people affected by the western movement in the first half of the 1800s?
Many enslaved Virginians were forced to move against their will when their “owners” moved.
Many were sold to people who lived in other southern states and western territories.
Many families were permanently separated.