Founding Faces
He was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and later became the first President of the United States.
George Washington
This 1765 act imposed taxes on all paper products and was one of the first direct taxes on the colonies.
The Stamp Act
This 1776 document declared the American colonies' independence from Britain.
Declaration of Independence
The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1791, are collectively known by this name.
Bill of Rights
This amendment guarantees freedom of speech, press, and religion.
Known for his 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' speech, this fiery orator was a strong Anti-Federalist.
Patrick Henry
Colonists used this slogan to protest British taxes, arguing they had no representation in Parliament.
Written by Thomas Paine, this pamphlet argued for American independence and was widely read across the colonies.
"Common Sense"
This 1787 meeting in Philadelphia was called to revise the Articles but instead resulted in a whole new government.
The Constitutional Convention
The right to bear arms is protected by this amendment.
2nd Amendment
He authored the Declaration of Independence and later became the third President of the United States.
This event in 1770, where British soldiers fired into a crowd, killing five colonists, escalated tensions between Britain and the colonies.
Boston Massacre
This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the independence of the United States.
Treaty of Paris, 1783
This compromise helped resolve the issue of representation in Congress, balancing small and large states’ interests.
Great Compromise
This amendment prevents the government from forcing citizens to quarter soldiers in their homes.
3rd Amendment
This Federalist leader co-authored the Federalist Papers and is often called the 'Father of the Constitution.'
James Madison
In response to this 1773 protest against British tea taxes, Parliament passed the Intolerable Acts.
Boston Tea Party
This series of 85 essays was written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.
Federalist Papers
This 1787 document, written after the Articles of Confederation proved ineffective, became the supreme law of the United States.
U.S. Constitution
Which amendment ensures the right to a fair and speedy trial?
7th Amendment
A diplomat, inventor, and key figure in securing French support during the Revolution, he also helped draft the U.S. Constitution.
Benjamin Franklin
This gathering of colonial delegates in 1774 sought to address grievances with Britain and organize a united colonial response.
First Continental Congress
This event in 1786-87 exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, especially in handling internal uprisings, and led to the call for a stronger federal government.
Shay's Rebellion
Under the Articles of Confederation, the central government lacked the power to collect these, a key weakness that led to its downfall.
Taxes
This amendment states, "any powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people."
10th Amendment