This war left Britain deeply in debt and encouraged Parliament to tax the colonies.
French and Indian War
Colonists destroyed 342 chests of tea during this protest against British policy.
Boston Tea Party
Thomas Paine used plain language in this pamphlet to argue for independence.
Common Sense
He commanded the Continental Army and later became the first president.
George Washington
This British monarch rejected the Olive Branch Petition and opposed colonial independence.
King George III
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are examples of these, that cannot rightfully be taken away.
Unalienable rights
This first national government was too weak because Congress could not tax or effectively enforce laws.
Articles of Confederation
This compromise created a two-house Congress: one house based on population and one with equal state representation.
Great Compromise
The people are the ultimate source of government power under this principle.
Popular sovereignty
Power is divided between the national government and state governments under this principle.
Federalism
This name refers to the first ten amendments to the Constitution.
Bill of Rights
This amendment prevents the government from forcing people to house soldiers during peacetime.
Third Amendment
This amendment protects the right to keep and bear arms.
Second Amendment
This 1765 law required tax stamps on newspapers, legal papers, and other printed materials.
Stamp Act
Parliament passed these harsh laws to punish Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party.
Coercive Acts or Intolerable Acts
This 1774 meeting of delegates from twelve colonies organized a boycott and petitioned the king.
First Continental Congress
He drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Jefferson
This Patriot leader strongly argued for independence and later became the second president.
John Adams
This principle says government’s authority comes from the people it governs.
Consent of the governed
This term means formal approval of the Constitution by the states.
Ratification
This compromise counted three out of every five enslaved people for representation and direct taxes.
Three-Fifths Compromise
Citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern for them under this principle.
Republicanism
Legislative, executive, and judicial powers are assigned to different branches under this principle.
Separation of powers
Religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition are protected by this amendment.
First Amendment
The government tries a person twice for the same crime after an acquittal
Double jeopardy
Police search a home without a warrant, probable cause, or an emergency. Identify the amendment involved.
Fourth Amendment
This slogan protested taxes passed by a Parliament in which the colonists had no elected representatives.
No taxation without representation
Colonists who supported resistance and eventually independence were known by these two names.
Patriots or Rebels
This final attempt at peace was sent to King George III in 1775.
Olive Branch Petition
He wrote Common Sense to persuade colonists to support independence
Thomas Paine
Known as the Father of the Constitution, he also introduced the amendments that became the Bill of Rights.
James Madison
The Declaration’s list of complaints against King George III is known by this term.
Grievances
This proposal favored large states by basing representation in Congress on population.
Virginia Plan
Supporters of the Constitution and a stronger national government used this name.
Federalists
Government may use only the powers allowed by law under this principle.
Limited government
The president’s veto and Congress’s power to override it demonstrate this principle.
Checks and balances
A suspect says, “I choose to remain silent.” This protection comes from this amendment.
Fifth Amendment
A speedy and public trial, an impartial jury, notice of charges, and legal counsel are protected by this amendment.
Sixth Amendment
This amendment prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment.
Eighth Amendment
Five colonists were killed in this 1770 confrontation later used as Patriot propaganda.
Boston Massacre
Colonists who remained loyal to Britain were known by these two names.
Loyalists or Tories
These April 1775 battles began open warfare between Britain and the colonies.
Lexington and Concord
This diplomat helped secure the French alliance and aid that strengthened the American war effort.
Benjamin Franklin
This former Washington aide helped write the Federalist Papers and later shaped the new nation’s financial system.
Alexander Hamilton
According to the Declaration, people may change or remove a government that repeatedly violates their rights.
Right to revolt
This proposal favored small states by giving each state equal representation in Congress.
New Jersey Plan
Opponents of ratification feared a strong national government and demanded clearer protections for individual rights.
Anti-Federalists
Freedoms belonging to people, such as speech and religion, are protected by this principle.
Individual rights
Courts use this power to declare laws or government actions unconstitutional.
Judicial review
The right to a jury in many federal civil lawsuits is protected by this amendment.
Seventh Amendment
This amendment explains that people have rights beyond the ones specifically listed in the Constitution.
Ninth Amendment
This amendment reserves undelegated powers to the states or the people.
Tenth Amendment