Causes of the Revolution
Who was the tyrant ruling Great Britain at this time?
King George III
What is the Declaration of Independence?
A document adopted on July 4, 1776, announcing the colonies' separation from Britain.
What was the purpose of the Articles of Confederation?
It was America's first written plan of government, created to be intentionally weak.
Who were the Federalists?
Supporters of a strong national government, including leaders like Alexander Hamilton.
Why was George Washington elected unanimously?
People trusted his leadership, honesty, and integrity.
What was the Stamp Act?
: A law passed in 1765 that taxed printed materials in the colonies.
What turning point occurred at Yorktown?
The British surrender in October 1781, effectively ending the war.
What was a key weakness of the Articles?
The central government could not effectively enforce laws or make states cooperate.
What did Anti-Federalists fear?
They worried about too much government power and losing individual rights.
What precedent did he set by serving two terms?
Established a tradition of a peaceful transfer of power.
What was a key grievance of the colonists?
Taxation without representation in Parliament.
Who provided naval support to the Americans?
France, along with aid from Spain and the Dutch.
What was the Great Compromise?
Bicameral solution that gave us equal representation. (Senate & House Representatives)
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual freedoms and rights.
Who was the Secretary of Treasury?
Alexander Hamilton.
What did the Quartering Act require?
Colonists to provide housing and supplies for British soldiers.
What did the Treaty of Paris 1783 accomplish?
Officially ended the war and recognized American independence.
What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?
Determined that enslaved people would count as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation
What are the three branches of government?
Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), and Judicial (interprets laws).
What did the Federalist Party believe?
In a strong and active federal government.
What were the Intolerable Acts?
A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 after the Boston Tea Party.
What lasting impact did the war have on the U.S.?
Established a national identity and created a democratic republic with a constitutional government.
What was the Slave Trade Compromise? Lasted until what year?
Allowed the international slave trade to continue until 1808.
What is an example of checks and balances?
Congress makes laws, the President can veto them, and the Supreme Court can declare them unconstitutional.
What were the main differences between the two political parties?
Federalists supported a strong central government, while Democratic-Republicans wanted more power for states and a strict interpretation of the Constitution.