Bill of Rights
Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of the Press, Right to Assemble
First Amendment
American colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed the war for independence.
Loyalist/Tory
A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that claimed the colonies had a right to be an independent nation
Common Sense
Primary Author of the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson
Introduction to the U.S. Constitution, establishing the goals and purposes of government
The police cannot search people or their homes without good reason.
4th Amendment
December 25th, 1776, Washington crossed Delaware River and took the Hessians by surprise. It was a victory for the Continental Army and served as a reason for soldiers to re-enlist.
Battle of Trenton
1765; law that taxed printed goods, including: playing cards, documents, newspapers, etc.
Stamp Act
Chosen to create a document that gave reasons for separation from England (Declaration of Independence); Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston.
Committee of Five
A system that allows each branch of government to limit the powers of the other branches in order to prevent abuse of power
Checks and Balances
In most cases, accused people can remain out of jail on bail. Bail can't be too high. Courts can't punish people in cruel ways.
8th Amendment
(1777) This was a turning point of the American Revolution. It convinced the French to give the U.S. military support.
Battle of Saratoga
1765 - Required the colonials to provide food, lodging, and supplies for the British troops in the colonies.
Quartering Act
Rights that cannot be taken away: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are called ......
Unalienable Rights
division of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches
Separation of Powers
Right to a speedy, public trial by jury. Right to a lawyer, to be told what they are accused of, and to question witnesses.
6th Amendment
1781-Last major Battle of Revolutionary war. Strongly supported by French naval and military forces, Washington's army forced the surrender of a large British army commanded by General Charles Cornwallis.
Battle of Yorktown
Engraving drawn by Paul Revere. He showed British soldiers firing on defenseless colonists. It was used for propaganda purposes against the British.
Boston Massacre
The name of the group of colonists that organized
the Continental Army and appointed a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence.
Second Continental Congress
The 1st Constitution of the U.S. 1781-1788 (weaknesses included: no executive, no judicial, no power to tax, no power to regulate trade).
Articles of Confederation
People have other rights than those stated in the Constitution.
9th Amendment
A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine to rally support for the Revolutionary war. "These are the times that try men's souls.."
The American Crisis
name of the British laws to punish the colonists for the Boston Tea Party, also known as the "Intolerable Acts"
Coercive Acts
Who was the philosopher who said all people have a natural right to life, liberty, and property?
John Locke
A belief that ultimate power resides in the people.
Popular sovereignty