American Revolution
What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
The purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to justify America's reasons for breaking away from Britain.
What is the Bill of Rights? Why are these rights so important?
The Bill of Rights are the first 10 Amendments in the Constitution. They are designed to protect your individual rights from the government.
What is the purpose of Separate branches of Government?
To create checks and balances. To prevent what happened in the American Revolution Era being ruled by a tyrant.
After ratification of the Constitution, what were some of the other things they needed in the New Republic to create stability?
National Military, Economic System, Security System.
What was the Boston Massacre? How did Paul Revere's painting show bias?
Paul Revere painted the Boston Massacre as fully the Redcoats fault. He displayed it that way to get the colonists on the Patriots side.
One of the main causes of the Revolution was Taxation without Representation. Name two of the infamous Parliament Act
Stamp Act, Sugar Act, Quartering Act, Townshend Acts
The Articles of Confederation was the acting government coming out of the civil war. There were many weaknesses such as the government not having a federal write to tax, only state militias, was not united, no executive branch.
What is the purpose of the Legislative Branch? What are at least two other roles or responsibilities?
The Legislative Branch main purpose is for creating laws. Other roles: Coining money, Declaring war, creating taxes, impeachment, borrowing money, ratifying treaties
Political Parties derived from the Federalists and Anti-Federalists. What were the two first political parties called?
Federalists and Democratic-Republicans
Who were the Federalist and Anti-federalists? What was their disagreement over.
The Federalists and Anti-federalist were in debate over the ratification of the Constitution.
On the Road to Revolution, Britain passed the Proclamation of 1763? What was the purpose of this and the reaction from the colonists?
The Proclamation determined boundaries between Native Americans and colonists. The colonists were upset because they believed they were entitled to the land.
At the Consitutional Convention there were numerous compromises. One of them was called the Great Compromise. What was the argument over and what was the solution?
The Great Compromise was a major issue to be resolved about congressional representation. It debated big vs small states and representation. (population vs. size). The solution was to create a two house congress to satisfy both parties.
What is the purpose of the Executive Branch? What are at least two roles or responsibilities?
The Executive Branch is known for enforcing the laws. Other roles include proposing laws, making treaties, appointing officials, ceremonial roles, commander and chief of the armed forces.
What was the purpose of the Supreme Court Case Marbury v. Madison?
Marbury v. Madison strengthened the national government. It gave him the right for Judicial Branch to perform Judicial Review which determines the Constitutionality of a law.
What were some of the major Federalist beliefs vs the Anti-Federalists? Give two for each.
Federalists believed in strong national government, set terms in office, strong executive, separation of power, want a new constitution.
Anti-Federalists believed in weak national government, wanted to just fix the Articles of Confederation, Want power to remain with the states, feared longer terms, state controlled finances.
Why is Thomas Paine's Common Sense such a revolutionary document for the American Revolution? What were some of his main ideas?
Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense in common vernacular so that the every day person could read it. His main ideas is that small islands are not capable of governing such a big continent. Urged to break away from Britain
The Constitution is a living document. Please describe why.
The Constitution can be changed to meet with the growing needs of the nations through amendments.
What is the purpose of the Judicial Branch? What is their main role as Judicial Branch?
The main purpose of the Judicial Branch is interpreting the laws. One of the main responsibilities of the Judicial Branch is to determine the Constitutionality of a law "Judicial Review"
What was some of the main points of Washington's Farewell Address. Name two of the things he warned/encouraged about in the new Republic.
Do not create permanent political alliances with foreign nations, encourage trade with foreign nations, remain neutral, warned about the dangerous nature of political parties.
Why was the Electoral College introduced?
The founding fathers feared the common man who represented a large portion of the population. They may not be capable of accessing candidate information so they wanted a group of educated individuals that played a major role in electing the President.
Name some of the pivotal battles or events of the American Revolution name at least two.
There is something called the unwritten Constitution. Name two examples of the Unwritten Constitution.
Presidential Cabinet, two terms for President until 22nd amendment, Political Parties, Nominating conventions, Judicial Review.
Define federalism. Give two examples each of federal vs state responsibilities.
Federalism is the separation of power from the federal and state levels. Some federal powers include: Declare war, Coin money, Regulate interstate trade, Maintain armed forces, make laws.
State include: Schools, local government, marriage, elections, any power not designated to the federal government.
What was the purpose of Gibbons vs. Odgen Supreme Court Case?
To strengthen the Federal Government by giving the National Government power of regulating interstate trade.
What were some of the main points of Alexander Hamilton's Financial Plan? Name two.