Colonial America & Resistance
For many years, Britain loosely enforced its trade laws in the American colonies, allowing them considerable independence.
Salutary Neglect
America's first national government operated under this document, which created a weak central government.
Articles of Confederation
The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties and limiting government power.
Bill of Rights
In 1794, farmers resisted a federal tax on distilled spirits, prompting Washington to demonstrate the national government's authority.
Whiskey Rebellion
This British order prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains following the French and Indian War.
Proclamation of 1763
This 1765 British law taxed printed materials, including newspapers, legal documents, and playing cards.
Stamp Act
The 1786–1787 uprising of Massachusetts farmers demonstrated the weaknesses of the national government.
Shays's Rebellion
This constitutional principle divides governmental authority between the national government and state governments.
Federalism
In 1793, Washington issued this announcement declaring that the United States would not take sides in the European war involving Britain and France.
Proclamation of Neutrality
This agreement counted three out of every five enslaved people when determining representation in the House of Representatives and direct taxation.
Three-Fifths Compromise
In 1773, colonists protested British policies by dumping hundreds of chests of tea into Boston Harbor.
Boston Tea Party
This period following the American Revolution was marked by economic instability, political disputes, and weaknesses in the national government.
Critical Period
This principle divides government responsibilities among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Separation of Powers
In this 1796 message, Washington warned Americans about political divisions and permanent foreign alliances.
Washington's Farewell Address
Written by Thomas Paine in 1776, this influential pamphlet argued that the American colonies should declare independence from Britain.
Common Sense
These laws punished Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party, closing Boston Harbor and restricting colonial self-government.
Coercive (Intolerable) Acts
Written in 1787, this document replaced the Articles of Confederation and established a new framework for the federal government.
Constitution
The president can veto legislation, but Congress can override that veto. This illustrates which constitutional principle?
Checks and Balances
Thomas Jefferson argued that the Constitution did not specifically authorize a national bank, reflecting this interpretation of federal power.
Strict Construction
In 1775, the Second Continental Congress sent this document to King George III in a final attempt to reconcile with Britain and avoid further conflict.
Olive Branch Petition
Britain argued that Parliament represented all British subjects, including colonists who could not vote for its members.
Virtual Representation
Members of this political movement supported ratifying the Constitution because they believed a stronger national government was necessary.
Federalist
This agreement at the Constitutional Convention created a House of Representatives based on population and a Senate with equal representation for each state.
Great Compromise
Alexander Hamilton argued that Congress could establish a national bank through implied powers, reflecting this interpretation of the Constitution.
Loose Construction
Proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754, this plan attempted to unite the colonies under a common government for defense and cooperation.
Albany Plan of Union