Taxation Without Representation
This 1765 British law taxed printed materials, including newspapers and legal documents.
The Stamp Act
This founding document declared that all men are created equal and possess unalienable rights.
The Declaration of Independence
This European nation provided crucial military and financial assistance to the United States during the American Revolution.
France
This was America's first national constitution, creating a government that lacked independent power to tax.
The Articles of Confederation
"Give me liberty, or give me death!"
Patrick Henry
This group organized protests and intimidation against British tax collectors during the 1760s.
The Sons of Liberty
This compromise at the Constitutional Convention counted a portion of the enslaved population in each state for representation.
Three-Fifths Compromise
This 1777 American victory helped persuade another country to enter a formal alliance with the United States.
This agreement at the Constitutional Convention created a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state.
The Great Compromise
"It's common sense that an island shouldn't rule an entire continent."
Thomas Paine
This uprising of Massachusetts farmers in 1786–1787 was driven partly by debt and taxation and exposed weaknesses under the Articles of Confederation.
Shays' Rebellion
This post-Revolutionary ideal emphasized women's responsibility for educating future republican citizens.
Republican Motherhood
This 1793 proclamation announced that the United States would remain impartial in the war between France and Britain.
Neutrality Proclamation
These opponents of ratification feared that the proposed Constitution gave too much power to the national government.
The Anti-Federalists
"A large republic is actually better at controlling the dangers of factions."
James Madison
This 1794 uprising demonstrated that the new federal government possessed the authority and resources to enforce national tax laws.
The Whiskey Rebellion
This 1787 law prohibited slavery in the Northwest Territory while establishing a process for admitting new states.
Northwest Ordinance
This controversial 1794 agreement with Britain helped prevent war and secured British withdrawal from western forts.
Jay's Treaty
Hamilton used this constitutional clause to defend the establishment of a national bank, arguing that Congress possessed implied powers.
The Necessary and Proper Clause
"The United States needs a national bank, and the Constitution gives Congress implied powers to create one."
Alexander Hamilton
The Tea Act gave this joint-stock company advantages in selling tea to the colonies, provoking a famous protest in Boston.
East India Company
In 1798, this federal law made certain criticism of the government and its officials a criminal offense, raising concerns about freedom of speech and the press.
The Sedition Act
This 1795 treaty with Spain secured American navigation rights on the Mississippi River and access to New Orleans.
Pinckney's Treaty
These resolutions, associated with Jefferson and Madison, challenged the constitutionality of the Alien and Sedition Acts and defended a role for states in opposing unconstitutional federal actions.
The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions
"Political parties threaten national unity, and America should avoid permanent foreign alliances."
George Washington