Important Documents
According to Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration of Independence, where does a government get its power from?
From the people "The consent of the governed"
Why did American Colonists boycott British goods?
To not give England any more money.
What battle was the Turning Point of the American Revolution?
The Battle of Saratoga
What important jobs did John Adams do before and during the American Revolution?
He served as lawyer to the British soldiers during the Boston Massacre, member of the Continental Congress, Helped write the Olive Branch Petition.
What was the biggest result of Shays' Rebellion?
The Constitutional Convention and the creation of the Constitution.
What was the Olive Branch Petition?
A letter/document sent to the King asking for peace, trying to stop the war.
What was the Boston Tea Party?
It was a protest against the tea tax where colonists threw tea into Boston Harbor.
What were the first battles of the American Revolution?
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
What is the difference between Patriots and Loyalists?
Loyalists were "loyal" to the King and England, Patriots wanted freedom/independence from England
What was the name of the agreement/compromise between the Virginia Plan and the New Jersey Plan
The Great Compromise
Why did American Colonists want to explain their reasons for Independence?
They hoped that other countries would decide to help or support them during the war.
What was the colonies main argument against British Taxes and Acts?
They had no representation in Parliament. No taxation without representation.
What was the last major battle of the American Revolution?
The Battle of Yorktown
Who was Thomas Paine?
A British author who wrote the pamphlets Common Sense and The American Crisis. Both encouraged the American Colonists to fight for freedom and independence.
What was the compromise that determined how many enslaved people could be counted as population for the purpose of determining representation in Congress?
The Three Fifths Compromise
3/5 Compromise
What was the main part of the Treaty of Paris of 1783?
America is a free and independent Country.
Why were the American Colonists angry with British policies and Acts such as the Quartering Act, Writs of Assistance and the Townshend Acts?
They thought the acts took away to much of their own power, and gave it to the King.
Why did Washington have the Declaration of Independence, Common Sense and The American Crisis read to his soldiers.
To help inspire them to keep fighting even when things were rough.
Why did African American's support the British during the Revolution?
The British promised them freedom if the fought in the war.
Why were both American and England broke (in debt) before the American Revolution?
They spent their money fighting the French and Indian War
What were some grievances "complaints" about the King?
Taxation without representation
Shutting down legislatures "colonial government"
Quartering troops in peoples homes
Suspending trial by jury
Keeping the army in the colonies during peace
Why did England pass the Intolerable "Coercive" Acts?
As punishment for the Boston Tea Party.
Why was the Battle of Saratoga considered the Turning Point of the American Revolution?
This battle convinced France to support America. It showed that the American's could possibly win the war.
Why did James Madison write the Bill of Rights?
To reassure people that their rights would be protected and they would support the Constitution.
What were some weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?
Could not pass laws
Could not collect taxes