COLONIAL LIFE
What was the first permanent English settlement in North America, founded in 1607?
Jamestown
What elected colonial legislature was established in Virginia in 1619?
Virginia House of Burgesses
What war between Britain and France was fought partly over control of North American territory?
French and Indian War
What was the first constitution of the United States?
Articles of Confederation
What principle divides the federal government into three branches?
Separation of powers
What was one major negative effect of European colonization on Native Americans?
Loss of land, warfare, and the spread of European diseases
What document established an agreement for self-government among the Pilgrims at Plymouth?
Mayflower Compact
Why did Britain begin taxing the colonies more heavily after the French and Indian War?
Britain had large war debts and wanted the colonies to help pay for them.
What was the main weakness of the government under the Articles of Confederation?
The national government was too weak.
What principle allows each branch of government to limit the power of the other branches?
Checks and balances
What was the difference between an indentured servant and an enslaved person?
An indentured servant worked for a limited period of time, while slavery was generally lifelong and hereditary.
What colonial practice allowed community members to directly discuss and vote on local issues?
New England town meetings
What phrase summarized the colonists' objection to being taxed by Parliament?
"No taxation without representation"
What rebellion demonstrated the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Shays' Rebellion
What principle divides power between the national government and state governments?
Federalism
What geographic feature helped the New England colonies develop industries such as fishing, shipbuilding, and trade?
The Atlantic coastline and natural harbors
Why were the House of Burgesses, Mayflower Compact, and town meetings considered democratic?
They allowed colonists to participate in government and make decisions.
What 1773 protest involved colonists dumping tea into Boston Harbor?
Boston Tea Party
What compromise created a two-house Congress with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate?
Great Compromise
What principle means that government power is restricted by the Constitution and laws?
Limited government
What Enlightenment idea influenced colonists' belief that government should protect individual rights?
Natural rights
Why was colonial democracy considered limited?
Many groups, including women, enslaved people, and Native Americans, were excluded from political participation.
What Enlightenment ideas helped justify colonial resistance to British rule?
Natural rights and government by consent of the governed
What compromise counted enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation?
Three-Fifths Compromise
What principle means that citizens elect representatives to make decisions for them?
Republicanism