Coming to America
“We were never seeking these strange new lands they call the Americas. In truth, we were searching for new trade routes to the riches of spices, silk, and gold found in...”
Asia, India
"Come one come all: to a region with a moderate climate, full of livestock, grains, and food production."
The Middle Colonies "Breadbasket"
Mid-Atlantic Region
“What do you mean I can’t go west? I bled and fought for that land in the French and Indian War! It was promised to us, and now the Crown dares to keep us out?”
Proclamation of 1763
“Shots Fired at Dawn! The Whole World Knows that Minutemen Clashed with Redcoats—Revolution!”
The Battles of Lexington & Concord
"Shot Heard Round' The World"
This was the first form of government for the United States after independence
The Articles of Confederation
This is the process to change or add to the Constitution, requiring 2/3 of Congress to propose and 3/4 of the states to ratify, as was done with the Bill of Rights.
Amendment Process
“Searches Must Include a Warrant! Citizens Protected from Unreasonable Searches and Seizures Like Under British Rule!”
The Fourth Amendment
This principle keeps the power divided among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches as they each have their own job.
Separation of Powers
From Canada, flowing down the Mississippi River into Louisiana there used to be many trading post where these explorers sold beaver fur.
The French
"Colonial participation in the Triangular Trade is due to our humid weather, fertile soil, plantation system and the claim of enslaved labor."
The Southern Colonies
“How dare they tax us without giving us representation in Parliament! They put a tax on all our printed papers—pamphlets, deeds, and newspapers. I say we boycott their goods”
Stamp Act (No Taxation Without Representation)
“Continental Army Survives Harsh Winter! Soldiers Endure Starvation and Cold but Gain Strength!”
Valley Forge
"Training Grounds"
The greatest victory of the Articles of Confederation was?
Winning the American Revolution
These supporters of a stronger national government, including James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, pushed for ratification of the Constitution.
Federalist
“Cruel and Unusual Punishments Forbidden! Justice Must Be Fair, Not Vengeful without excessive fines!”
The Eighth Amendment
Each branch of government can watch over the the other branches and make sure they aren't overstepping their job description.
Checks and Balances
In the Southwest region U.S. and in Mexico you'll find many Catholic Missions but a lack of Gold due to these explorers...
The Spanish
"Unable to cultivate many cash-crops as weather was cold and the ground was rocky, we focused on commercial profit through lumber, fishing, and whaling."
The New England Colonies "Northern"
“Those redcoats fired upon us, innocent men just protesting their unfair acts! They killed Crispus Attucks, and by God, we’ll spread the word to all the colonies!”
The Boston Massacre
“Declaration Drafted! Colonies’ Independence from Tyrannical Rule! Jefferson Proclaims the right Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness known as..."
Unalienable/ Natural Rights
Under the Articles, due to the fear of tyranny, this branch of government was practically non-existent, leaving weak national leadership
Executive Branch (No President)
These opponents of a stronger national government feared a too-powerful central government and demanded a Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties.
Anti-Federalist
“Due Process and Silence Guaranteed! No One Shall Be Deprived of Life, Liberty, or Property Without Legal Procedures!”
The Fifth Amendment
This principle says the government gets its power from the people.
Popular Sovereignty
Arriving on ships like the Mayflower, these European explorers came to escape religious persecution and expand their empire.
The English (British Empire)
“In 1620, we Pilgrims agreed to make our own rules and choose our own leaders for the good of our colony. A promise to work together and self-govern ourselves — an example for future representative governments."
Mayflower Compact
“The Crown forces us to trade only with them, taking our goods and profits while giving us little in return! We work to enrich Britain, not ourselves!”
Mercantilism
“Victory in New York! American Patriots Defeat British Forces—France Joins the Fight for Independence!”
The Battle of Saratoga
Under the Articles of Confederation all amendments had to be approved by all states. This is known as?
A Unanimous Decision
“This compromise decided how enslaved people would count for representation in Congress and taxation purposes.”
3/5ths Compromise
“Fair Trial for All! Accused Citizens Get Speedy, Public Trial and Right to Counsel!”
6th Amendment
Liberties of citizens protected under the Bill of Rights (First 10 Amendments).
Individual Rights
Raw materials to Europe, manufactured goods to Africa, slave labor to the Colonies make this commerce route.
Triangular Trade
“In Pennsylvania there shall be no slavery, for all men are equal in the sight of God. Here you may worship as your conscience leads, for we are the...”
-William Penn
Quakers
“The Crown seeks to punish us for dumping their tea into our harbor! They pass these cruel laws such as suspending our legislatures, and closing the harbor to strip us of our rights and threaten our very liberty!”
Intolerable Acts
“Victory Secured! Britain Recognizes U.S. Independence and Expands Territory from the Atlantic to Mississippi!”
Treaty of Paris
This 1787 law set rules for creating new states in the Northwest Territory such as 60,000 people and the banning of slavery.
Northwest Ordinance
Anti-Federalist insisted on adding a Bill of Rights to the Constitution to protect...
Protect Individual Liberties, freedoms, rights
So the Government wouldn't change their rights
“Juries Rule! Civil Disputes Protected by Right to Trial by Jury!”
The Seventh Amendment
No one, not even the president, is above the law. Citizen Rights Protected under the Bill of Rights.
Limited Government
The oppression or harm of individuals or groups due to their beliefs. (Hint: Cause of Colonization)
Religious Persecution
“Come ye who are burdened with debt, to a new haven—a land of new opportunities—set between Spanish Florida and the English Colonies."
-James Oglethorpe
Georgia (Buffer Zone)
“The King dares punish us with these Intolerable Act, closing our ports, quartering his soldiers! We will unite in Philadelphia and demand our rights, or he’ll hear the fury of all the colonies!”
The 1st Continental Congress
(Continental)
“French Hero Arrives! He Trains American Troops in Fight for Liberty!”
Marquis de Lafayette
The lack of power to tax or enforce laws by the Articles was highlighted by this early conflict.
Shays Rebellion
This plan, supported by the bigger states, wanted representation in Congress to depend on population size.
Virgina Plan
“Rights Not Listed Are Still Protected! Citizens Retain Privacy Liberties Beyond the Constitution!”
The Ninth Amendment
States and the National government share power under this principle.
Federalism
Legends told of a hidden trade route to Asia above Canada that bypassed the Americas called the...
Northwest Passage
“For years, Britain barely enforced its laws in the colonies, letting us self-govern ourselves and choose our our representatives"
Salutary Neglect
"The benefits of being left alone"
“Why should a tiny, distant island rule this vast continent? We must cast off the chains of monarchy and claim our natural right to self-government!”
Thomas Paine (Common Sense)
“Sea Hero Strikes! Sinking British Ships—‘I Have Not Yet Begun to Fight!’ Inspires Patriots Everywhere!
John Paul Jones
This 1787 meeting in Philadelphia was called to fix the Articles of Confederation, but instead led to a new Constitution
Constitutional Convention
This plan, favored by the smaller states, wanted every state to have equal of votes in Congress, no matter the population.
New Jersey Plan
“State Power Preserved! Powers Not Given to Federal Government Belong to the States or People!
The Tenth Amendment
Citizens have the civic responsibility to vote for their representatives
Republicanism