American Revolution
Who won the American Revolution?
The 13 colonies
On what day was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
July 4, 1776
This document was the nation's first constitution
Articles of Confederation
True or False: Someone not born in the United States may become the president under the new Constitution
False. The president must be a natural-born citizen
This man was elected the first president under the new Constitution
What was the objective of the First Continental Congress?
Being treated more fairly by the British government
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
True or False: The Articles did not last because they were too weak and did not give the central government enough power, or authority
True
This phrase means the vote of the people
Popular vote
This people or group of people actually elect the president
Electors/Electoral College. These are the people regular voters choose.
Name one reason the colonists were upset before the revolution started.
High taxes, lack of representation in the British government, British trade regulations, quartering of soldiers
True or False: The Declaration was written in Washington, DC, where it still is today.
False: It was written in Philadelphia, PA
These had to approve all government actions under the Articles of Confederation.
This plan called for houses in the government based on population and would allow large states to control the national government
The Virginia Plan
Describe the difference between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.
Federalists wanted the states to ratify (accept and confirm) the Constitution, but Anti-Federalists fought against it. Federalists were ultimately successful.
Describe the Boston Tea Party
Colonists disguised themselves as Native Americans, dumped British tea into Boston Harbor, and then got punished by the British government
Name an unalienable right found in the Declaration
Life, liberty, or pursuit of happiness
What was Shays' Rebellion?
Farmers attacked the government because the courts were taking away their farms when they had no money to pay debts
This plan called for one house of Congress where each state would be equally represented.
New Jersey Plan
Name someone who was not represented at the Constitutional Convention.
Women, African-Americans, Native Americans, or whites of modest or poor means. Only wealthy, white men attended and could vote originally
This leader shouted "Give me liberty or give me death" in response to the treatment of the colonies by the British
Patrick Henry
Most significant for politics, the declaration did this for the colonies:
Made them separate/independent from the British government (Declaring their independence)
Why were people in the colonies afraid of a strong central government?
They felt oppressed and unrepresented by the British government they had recently overthrown and rebelled against
Describe the Great Compromise (AKA Connecticut Compromise)
Congress is made up of two houses. The House of Representatives is based on population size and the Senate is based on equal representation
How were slaves accounted for in the Constitution? How did they factor into the population?
They counted for 3/5 of a person