Causes of the Revolution
What was Salutary Neglect?
The British policy of loosely enforcing colonial laws, giving colonies freedom to self-govern.
What was the first battle of the Revolutionary War called?
Battle of Lexington and Concord
Who primarily wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
What were the Articles of Confederation?
The first constitution of the U.S., a loose union of states with a weak central government.
What are the three branches of government and their jobs?
Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), Judicial (interprets laws).
How did the French & Indian War lead to the end of Salutary Neglect?
It saddled Britain with debt and led Parliament to impose stronger control over the colonies (taxes, regulation).
What years were the Revolutionary War fought?
1775-1783
What is the main purpose of the Declaration?
To declare the colonies independent from Britain and explain the reasons.
Why did the Articles of Confederation fail?
Federal government too weak, couldn’t tax, regulate commerce, or enforce laws; states had too much power.
Define Federalism.
Division of power between national and state governments.
Name two British taxes or laws that angered colonists.
Examples: Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act, Intolerable Acts.
What nickname refers to the first gunfire at Lexington and Concord, marking the start of the American Revolution?
Shot heard round the world
What are the three unalienable rights listed in the Declaration?
Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness
What event exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Shay's Rebellion
What is the difference between an enumerated power and a reserved power? Give 1 example of each
Answers will vary
What was the effect of the Boston Massacre?
It inflamed anti-British sentiment, was used as propaganda by colonists, and increased unity against Britain.
Why was the Battle of Saratoga a turning point?
It convinced France to ally with the Americans
Which Enlightenment thinker had the greatest influence on the writing of the Declaration? (specifically the unalienable rights section)
John Locke
What problems did Congress face when trying to ratify the Constitution?
Opposition from Anti-Federalists, debates over lack of a Bill of Rights, state concerns over sovereignty.
Name 5 amendments in the Bill of Rights and the freedom that is protected by it
Answers will vary
What was the Proclamation Line of 1763?
A boundary drawn along the Appalachians that colonists could not settle west of it.
What famous event took place when George Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776?
Battle of Trenton
Which 1776 pamphlet convinced American colonists to break free from Great Britain's rule?
"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine
What was the Great Compromise?
Created a bicameral legislature: House by population + Senate with equal representation.
Which founding father wrote the Bill of Rights and is known as the "Father of the Constitution?
James Madison