Road to Revolution
Excerpt: "For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent…" — Declaration of Independence, 1776
What major issue does this quote address that fueled the colonies’ desire for independence?
Taxation without representation.
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…" — Preamble to the U.S. Constitution
What does the phrase "more perfect Union" imply about the goals of the Constitution?
It aims to improve upon the Articles of Confederation by creating a stronger and more effective government.
"Give me liberty, or give me death!" — Patrick Henry, 1775
How did Patrick Henry’s speech reflect the growing revolutionary sentiment in the colonies?
It emphasized the colonists' willingness to fight for freedom rather than remain under British rule.
"The woman who teaches her sons liberty can expect no less." — Republican Motherhood, 1780s
How does this quote describe the role of women post-Revolution?
Women were expected to raise sons with republican values to uphold liberty in the new nation.
In a DBQ, what does "HIPP" stand for in document analysis?
Historical Context, Intended Audience, Purpose, Point of View.
Excerpt: "These United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States." — Declaration of Independence, 1776
Which political philosophy is expressed in this excerpt, advocating for self-governance and independence?
Republicanism or self-determination.
"The powers not delegated to the United States…are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." — 10th Amendment
How does this amendment reflect the Anti-Federalist perspective?
Answer:
It emphasizes states' rights and limits federal power, aligning with Anti-Federalist concerns about centralized authority.
"Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors." — Abigail Adams, 1776
What social movement did Abigail Adams’ plea foreshadow?
The early movement for women’s rights.
"In territory north of the Ohio, neither slavery nor involuntary servitude shall exist…" — Northwest Ordinance, 1787
What was the significance of this clause in U.S. history?
It banned slavery in the Northwest Territory, setting a precedent for limiting slavery’s expansion
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal…" — Declaration of Independence
Identify and briefly explain two key ideas presented in this excerpt relevant to the AP Long Essay.
Equality and natural rights are foundational ideals that justified independence.
"The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind…" — Thomas Paine, Common Sense, 1776
What argument is Thomas Paine making about America’s struggle for independence?
Paine suggests that America's fight is universal and aligns with the broader struggle for liberty and freedom worldwide.
"All legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States…" — Article I, U.S. Constitution
How does this excerpt establish a separation of powers within the government?
It assigns legislative power exclusively to Congress, ensuring a division of powers among branches of government.
"I am not a Virginian, but an American." — Patrick Henry, 1774
What sentiment does this statement reflect about colonial unity?
It shows a shift from identifying by colony to identifying as a united American people.
"I do not know whether all Americans have equal fortune, but they are all equal by law." — Alexis de Tocqueville
How does this statement reflect American ideals of the early Republic?
It emphasizes legal equality as a foundational American value.
What are the three tasks you must complete in an SAQ?
Answer all parts (A, B, and C), Cite evidence, and explain how the evidence supports the answer.
ACE!
"A standing army...can be oppressive to a free people." — Letter from an Anti-Federalist, 1787
How does this perspective relate to the colonists’ experiences before the Revolutionary War?
Colonists feared a powerful standing army due to experiences with British troops occupying their towns, leading to concerns about governmental oppression.
"The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State…" — U.S. Constitution, Article I
Which compromise led to this structure, and what issue did it resolve?
The Great Compromise; it resolved the debate between large and small states over legislative representation.
"It is the duty of the American people to defend themselves and their liberty." — George Washington
How does Washington's quote embody the values of the American Revolution?
It emphasizes self-defense and the protection of liberty as core revolutionary values.
"I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience." — Patrick Henry
What does this quote suggest about American attitudes toward government and history?
It highlights the value of learning from past experiences to avoid future mistakes.
For a Long Essay Question (LEQ), what elements are essential for a high score?
Strong thesis, use of historical reasoning (causation, comparison, continuity and change), and specific evidence.
"Resolved, That these United Colonies are free and independent States, and...absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown." — Lee Resolution, 1776
What was the significance of the Lee Resolution in the lead-up to the Declaration of Independence?
It formally proposed American independence to the Continental Congress, paving the way for the Declaration of Independence.
"Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence…" — Articles of Confederation
What major weakness of the Articles does this clause reveal, and how did the Constitution address it?
It reveals a weak federal government; the Constitution created a stronger federal structure to unite the states more effectively.
"A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms…" — 2nd Amendment
How did this amendment respond to the colonial experience with British control?
It protected citizens’ rights to bear arms as a safeguard against tyrannical government, based on experiences with British military force.
"The spirit of liberty begins to establish itself; it influences all classes and all minds." — Letter from a French observer, 1789
How does this excerpt reflect the impact of the American Revolution globally?
It shows that the American Revolution inspired global aspirations for liberty and freedom, especially in France.
What is a best practice for time management on the AP exam's Multiple Choice section?
Spend about 1 minute per question, reading carefully and eliminating incorrect answers.