Early Influences
This document by Thomas Paine spread ideas of American independence throughout the colonies in 1776.
What is Common Sense?
The colonists' rallying cry against British taxes was "No taxation without _______."
What is representation?
This Congress met in Philadelphia in 1774 and sent a request to King George III for relief.
What is the First Continental Congress?
This Founding Father wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Who is Thomas Jefferson?
The Enlightenment was based on this concept—the power to understand the universe and improve one's situation.
What is reason?
This Native American constitution influenced founding fathers like Ben Franklin and James Madison with ideas about unified government.
What is the Iroquois Constitution (or Great Law of Peace)?
This 1765 act forced colonists to pay taxes on legal documents, newspapers, and even playing cards.
What is the Stamp Act?
He was named Commander in Chief of the Continental Army in 1775.
Who is George Washington?
These two Founding Fathers revised Jefferson's draft before the full committee reviewed it.
Who are John Adams and Benjamin Franklin?
The Mayflower Compact established this key democratic principle that all signers submit to laws equally.
What is equality under law?
This Enlightenment philosopher argued that citizens entered into a social contract with government and could replace it if it failed them.
Who is John Locke?
In 1773, Sam Adams and the Sons of Liberty threw tea into Boston Harbor in this famous protest.
What is the Boston Tea Party?
This Congress met in May 1775 and eventually created the Declaration of Independence.
What is the Second Continental Congress?
The Declaration had three main purposes: explain problems, describe principles of government, and do this.
What is declare independence?
According to John Locke's social contract, government had a responsibility to do this for citizens.
What is protect their rights?
This 1689 document limited the powers of the monarchy and gave Parliament the power to make laws.
What is the English Bill of Rights?
These 1774 acts closed Boston's port and restricted town meetings in Massachusetts.
What are the Intolerable Acts?
The Declaration of Independence was finally approved on this date, now celebrated as Independence Day.
What is July 4, 1776?
About this many changes were made to Jefferson's Original Rough Draft by Adams, Franklin, and the committee.
What is 47?
The Iroquois Constitution influenced this modern practice where the president addresses Congress annually.
What is the State of the Union Address?
This Virginia document used language about "Life, Liberty, and pursuing Happiness" that Jefferson later referenced.
What is the Virginia Declaration of Rights?
This war left Britain in debt and led King George III to believe colonists should help pay for it.
What is the French and Indian War?
This many colonies initially voted "yes" for independence before it became unanimous (except New York).
What is nine? (later twelve)
This colony's delegation had to withhold their vote because they were waiting for confirmation from their colonial government.
What is New York?
This part of the Declaration is where Jefferson uniquely expressed principles and is considered his most original contribution.
What is the Preamble?