Unit #2: The Foundations of US Democracy

The Revolution

100

When was the Declaration of Independence ratified? What was its purpose? 

July 4th 1776

The purpose was for the colonies to declare their independence and formally break away from Europe. 

200

In the era before the American Revolution the colonists were largely left alone. This policy was known as what?

Salutatory/Benign Neglect

300

What are some specific events that led to the revolution? 

1. French and Indian War Ends (1763) — Britain gains territory but faces debt, leading to taxation of colonies.
2. Proclamation of 1763 — Restricts colonial expansion west of the Appalachians, angering settlers.
3. Sugar Act (1764) — Imposes tax on sugar and molasses, raising colonial grievances.
4. Stamp Act (1765) — First direct tax on colonies; sparks protests and formation of Sons of Liberty.
5. Stamp Act Congress (1765) — Colonies unite to petition against taxation without representation.
6. Quartering Act (1765) — Requires colonists to house British soldiers, increasing tensions.
7. Declaratory Act (1766) — Parliament asserts right to legislate for colonies “in all cases whatsoever.”
8. Townshend Acts (1767) — Taxes on imports; leads to boycotts and unrest.
9. Boston Massacre (1770) — British soldiers kill five colonists during protest, fueling anti-British sentiment.
10. Tea Act (1773) — Grants British East India Company tea monopoly; leads to Boston Tea Party.
11. Boston Tea Party (1773) — Colonists dump British tea into harbor in protest.
12. Intolerable Acts (1774) — Punitive laws closing Boston Harbor and restricting Massachusetts self-government.
13. First Continental Congress (1774) — Colonies meet to organize resistance against British policies.
14. Battles of Lexington and Concord (1775) — First armed conflicts, marking the start of open war.

400

What role did women play in the Revolutionary War?

1. Supporting the War Effort: Many women managed farms and businesses while men fought. They also produced goods like clothing and ammunition, often organizing spinning bees to make homespun fabric as a boycott against British imports.

2. Camp Followers: Some women accompanied the Continental Army to cook, nurse the wounded, do laundry, and provide morale support for soldiers.

3. Spies and Messengers: A number of women gathered intelligence, carried messages, and even engaged in espionage to aid the revolutionary cause.

4. Political Influence: Women like Abigail Adams advocated for greater rights and reminded leaders to “remember the ladies” when forming the new government.

5. Symbolic Roles: Women contributed to shaping public opinion by participating in protests, boycotts, and patriotic organizations like the Daughters of Liberty.

500

What changed after the revolution?

Women:

• Increased involvement in education and some push for women’s rights, though formal political rights (like voting) remained largely denied.
• The idea of "Republican Motherhood" emerged, emphasizing women’s role in raising informed, virtuous citizens.

Politics:

• Establishment of the United States as an independent republic with a written Constitution (1787).
• Expansion of political participation for white men, but property and racial restrictions limited full democracy.
• Ideas of liberty and equality influenced political debates and future movements.

Society:

• Greater emphasis on individual rights and equality among white men.
• Slavery persisted but faced increased criticism; some northern states began gradual emancipation.
• Social hierarchies shifted but remained largely intact for Native Americans and African Americans.

Native Americans:

• Loss of British protection led to increased pressure and land loss from expanding American settlers.
• Many tribes faced displacement, warfare, and treaties unfavorable to their sovereignty.

Economy:

• Shift from colonial mercantilism to an independent economy with more domestic manufacturing.
• Disruption from war led to economic hardship initially, but post-war trade and westward expansion stimulated growth.
• Debates arose over debt, taxation, and federal versus state economic power.

The Articles of Confederation and US Constitution

100

What was the first official governmental document created by the United States of America?

The Articles of Confederation

200

This man led a rebellion that further showed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, specifically the inability to raise an army

Daniel Shays, Shay's Rebellion

300

Under the Articles of Confederation, what group had all of the power?

The states, not the national government 

400

Why did the United States make the Articles of Confederation so weak when it was first created?

They were previously ruled by an oppressive monarchy, so they feared a strong national government. 

500

Name 3 major issues of the Articles of Confederation (There are way more than 3 issues)

All states had to agree to pass an amendment

Could not collect taxes

Could not create an army

1 Branch of government

No national court system

Could not regulate trade

Weak national currency

Types of Plans

100

What was the ultimate deciding factor that made the Anti-Federalists sign the Constitution?

The Bill of Rights! 

200

This plan was proposed by smaller states, had a unicameral legislature, wanted to keep a confederation, and states would have the most power.

The New Jersey Plan 

300

This plan was proposed to decide if slaves would count as part of a state's overall population.

3/5ths Compromise 

400

This plan is supported by larger states, had a bicameral legislature, created a national court system, and the national government would have more power.

The Virginia Plan 

500

This plan was a compromise between the New Jersey and Virginia plans, had a bicameral legislature, 3 branches of government, a strong congress that can collect taxes, and the use of the electoral college.

The Great (Connecticut) Compromise

Federalists vs Antifederalists

100

This man was a Federalists, and was the main author of the US Constitution.

James Madison 

200

The Federalist papers were written to do what?

Encourage the ratification of the US Constitution

300

What group wanted to include the Bill of Rights in the US Constitution and why?

Antifederalists, they wanted to ensure the protection of citizens rights from the government

400

What group is being described?

-Weak national government with states having the power

-Agricultural society (farming)

-Advocated for the inclusion of the Bill of Rights

-Included Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry 

Antifederalists

500

What group is being described?

-Supported a strong central government that had more power

-Tended to be wealthy educated businessmen

-Really supported the ratification of the US Constitution

-Included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay

Federalists 

Miscellaneous

100

What philosopher most influenced Thomas Jefferson and The Declaration of Independence? 

John Locke 

200

This document promoted the American Revolution. Who wrote this document and what was its name?

Thomas Paine

Common Sense

300

What two ideological terms/key aspects of FEDERALISM that are present in the Constitution? 

Separation of Powers (branches system)

Checks and Balances (each branch has roles)

400

The Treaty of Paris (1783) and The Northwest Ordinance (1787) were accomplishments made under what document?

The Articles of Confederation 

500

What was the meeting called that discussed the American Revolution and the creation of the Declaration of Independence?

The Continental Congress