Causes of the Revolutions
What does “no taxation without representation” mean?
👉 Colonists were taxed without having a say in government
What document created the first U.S. government?
Articles of Confederation
Who could vote in early America?
White male property owners
Who was the main author of the Declaration?
Thomas Jefferson
What is a “grievance”?
A complaint
Name one British tax that angered colonists
Stamp Act / Tea Act / Townshend Acts
What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?
What did Abigail Adams argue for?
Womens Rights
Who warned about weak government after Shays’ Rebellion?
Leaders like George Washington / Henry Knox
What does “tyranny” mean?
Abuse of power
What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
To declare independence and list grievances
What event showed these weaknesses?
Shays Rebellion
What right were colonists denied that angered them?
Trial by jury / representation
What idea says people have rights just for being human?
Natural rights
What is a “republic”?
Government where people elect representatives
Why were colonists upset about British soldiers in the colonies?
Quartering / standing army without consent
What was the main goal of the Constitutional Convention?
Fix the government/ create a stronger one
Why were many groups excluded from rights?
Social and economic inequality
What is the purpose of government according to Enlightenment thinkers?
Protect people’s rights
What is a “compromise”?
Agreement where both sides give something up
What Enlightenment idea influenced the Declaration?
Natural rights (life, liberty, pursuit of happiness)
Great Compromise
What is one example of a group that did NOT have equal rights?
Women / enslaved people / non-property owners
What idea allows people to change their government?
Consent of the governed
What is an “insurrection”?
A rebellion against authority