The Colonies Before the Revolution
What were Britain and France fighting over?
The Ohio River Valley
Which colony did the battle of Saratoga take place in?
New York
Why didn’t the Articles of Confederation work? Describe some of the problems that made Americans believe they needed a new plan of government.
Possible answers- found in L15 Sources) The states are not working together. People think of themselves as citizens of their state not as Americans. Other countries see the U.S. as weak.Because the country was divided, Congress had little power, and the U.S. could not defend its reputation or act as one nation.
The government could not protect people’s property or rights and could not provide fair solutions to economic problems.
The Articles of Confederation could not maintain order, enforce laws, collect funds, or protect the country. Leaders realized a stronger national government was necessary.
What are two powers of the Legislative Branch?
Makes laws for the country, and controls government money
Define Constitution
a set of written rules that states how a government works and what powers it has
What started the Boston Massacre in 1770?
A mob of colonists throwing snowballs and rocks at British troops.
Which colony did the battle of Valley Forge take place in?
Pennsylvania
List examples of people and groups who were not in the room/ represented in the making of the United States Constitution:
Women (Abigail Adams), Slaves and Free African Americans (Philis Wheatley), and Indigenous leader/people (Chief Cornplanter of the Seneca Nation.
What are two powers of the Executive Branch?
Veto laws, and lead the military
cruel or unfair use of power
Why did the colonists use the Boston Tea Party (1773) to protest?
British Parliament was taxing them without representation and they were only taxing the colonies to cover the cost of the French and Indian War.
This Loyalist spy was the son of a Patriot. Who is it?
William Franklin
Describe the Great Compromise:
House = population-based representation (large states benefit)
Senate = two senators per state (small states benefit)
What are two powers of the Judicial branch?
Deciding if laws follow the U.S. Constitution, and overturning laws made by Congress or actions taken by the president if found to be unconstitutional.
Define Amendment
a change in the meaning or words of a document
How did the Boston Port Act (1774) punish Boston for the Boston Tea Party? Name at least one
-forced colonists to house British soldiers
- closed Boston Harbor for trade/ business
-Reduced local self-government/ powers
This Patriot wrote about the creation of our nation and was friends with the Adams'. Who is it?
Mercy Otis Warren
Describe the 3/5th Compromise:
3/5 of enslaved people count for representation and taxes
South gains power; enslaved people denied rights
List the ways that the framers of the Constitution try to share power and give the people a voice in government
(Possible answers/ claims)
The Constitution divides power between branches to stop anyone from getting too strong, but in 1787, many people did not have a real voice.
The framers tried to share power and give the people a voice by creating three separate branches of government with different powers and checks on each other. They also allowed some form of voting or representation for certain citizens, though many voices were excluded.
The framers of the Constitution shared power by dividing the government into three branches so no one group would have too much control. Congress makes the laws, the president carries them out, and the courts decide if they are fair. This system of checks and balances helps protect people’s rights. The framers also gave people a voice through elected leaders, but in 1787, only some people could vote—women, enslaved people, and many others were left out.
Define the Bill of Rights
the first 10 amendments to the Constitution, which guarantee civil rights and liberties to the individual
Why did Indigenous Nations fight during the French and Indian War?
They fought in order to protect their own people, land, trade, and culture.
Why does the battle of Yorktown matter?
The surrender ended major fighting in the Revolution. It proved that allied cooperation, local knowledge, and individual acts of bravery—including the work of James Armistead—were decisive in achieving victory.
Describe the Slave trade Compromise:
Congress cannot ban the importation of enslaved people until 1808.
The South temporarily benefits; enslaved people remain oppressed.
What are Delegates?
The leaders chosen from each state to help make the government stronger.
Define checks and balances
a way to make sure no part of government has too much power