3.5-3.9 The American Revolution & Early American Government

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the American Revolution, the formation of the U.S. government under the Articles of Confederation, and the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights.

Intolerable Acts

Acts passed in the spring of 1774 that intensified colonial outrage, leading to the First Continental Congress.

First Continental Congress

A meeting of delegates from the colonies (except Georgia) in Philadelphia in September 1774, which adopted the Suffolk Resolves and the Declaration and Resolves.

Suffolk Resolves

Resolutions adopted by delegates at the First Continental Congress.

Declaration and Resolves

A document passed by the First Continental Congress acknowledging King George III’s royal authority, though it was ignored by the King.

Minutemen

A group of 70 armed, non-trained colonists who tried to protect weapons from British troops in Concord, Massachusetts.

Shot Heard Around the World

Refers to the first shot fired at Lexington, marking the beginning of the American Revolution as the first British colony to rebel against Britain.

Redcoats

A common name for British troops during the American Revolution.

Battle of Bunker Hill

A battle fought on June 17, 1775, outside of Boston between untrained colonists and highly trained British soldiers, which the British won.

Second Continental Congress

A meeting of delegates in Philadelphia in May 1775, which eventually officially voted to break away from Britain and put George Washington in charge of the colonial army.

Olive Branch Petition

A petition sent to King George III by the Second Continental Congress in July 1775, offering one last chance to maintain the relationship and avoid war, but it was ignored.

Prohibitory Act

An act passed by King George III in response to the Olive Branch Petition, declaring the colonies to be in rebellion.

Republican Government

The type of government Americans agreed upon for their new nation, characterized by elected representatives.

Declaration of Independence

A document declaring independence from Great Britain, written almost entirely by Thomas Jefferson and adopted on July 4th, relying heavily on John Locke’s social contract theory and natural rights.

Battle of Valley Forge

Military encampment during the Revolutionary War (1777), where British forces crossed the Delaware River to attack Hessians in Pennsylvania and New York.

Battle of Saratoga

A key battle in 1777 that convinced the French of America's potential to win the war, leading to an alliance with France.

Patriots

Colonists primarily from New England and Virginia with a strong commitment to independence during the Revolutionary War.

Loyalists

Colonists who tended to be wealthy or government officials and sided with the British, often having support from Native Americans who were protected by the British.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, intentionally created a very weak central government with no executive or judicial branch.

Shays’ Rebellion

A rebellion led by Daniel Shays in Massachusetts (1784-1787), spurred by postwar economic depression and state taxation, which highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

Executive Branch

The branch of government led by the president, responsible for carrying out laws and federal programs.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government (Congress) responsible for making laws, passing taxes, and allocating spending.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government, consisting of the Supreme Court and lower federal courts, responsible for interpreting laws and the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

A system incorporated into the Constitution, creating ways each branch of government can limit the power of the others.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution, outlining fundamental rights and freedoms.

First Amendment

Guarantees freedom of speech, religion, press, the right to petition, and the right to assembly.

Second Amendment

Guarantees the right to keep and bear arms.

Third Amendment

Prevents forced quartering of troops in private homes.

Fourth Amendment

Protects against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Fifth Amendment

Guarantees the right to due process of law, protection from double jeopardy, and the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.

Sixth Amendment

Guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by jury, clear charges, witnesses in defense, and an attorney for those accused of a crime.

Seventh Amendment

Guarantees the right to a trial by jury in certain civil cases.

Eighth Amendment

Protects against cruel or unusual punishments.

Ninth Amendment

States that the enumeration of certain rights in the Constitution does not mean other rights are not retained by the people.

Tenth Amendment

States that powers not outlined in the Constitution for the national government are reserved to the states.