American Identity Flashcards

Flashcards about the Development of American Identity

What document galvanized popular support for independence with pragmatic common-sense reasoning in 1776?

Common Sense, by Thomas Paine

What was the main goal of the Sons of Liberty?

To instigate protests against the British.

What was the main purpose of the Committees of Correspondence?

To share information throughout the colonies

What was the Olive Branch Petition?

A document issued by the 1st Continental Congress in 1775.

What was the Republican Motherhood?

The idea that women are responsible for forming good citizens with strong virtues.

What did the Proclamation Line of 1763 do?

Created a firm western border, preventing colonial expansion.

What was the main issue with the Tea Act of 1773?

It created a monopoly and forced the colonists to buy tea from the British Indian Company.

What did the 1774 Port Act do?

Closed the port of Boston and imposed martial law.

What are the natural rights mentioned in the Declaration of Independence?

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

What battle convinced the French to ally with America?

Battle of Saratoga

What was the Northwest Ordinance of 1787?

Established a process for territories in the Northwest Territory to become states, ensuring they would have equal status with the original 13 states

What was Shay's Rebellion (1786-1787)?

An incident in western Massachusetts where farmers and others revolted to prevent judges from foreclosing farms and other property

What did Federalist #10 discuss?

How to deal with the problem of factions and balance majority rule and minority rights through an extended republic.

What did Federalist #51 discuss?

Separation of Powers and Checks and Balances (a way to avoid tyranny)

What was the 3/5 compromise?

Enslaved people would count as ⅗ of a person

What was the Virginia Plan?

Bicameral legislature with representation based on population

What was the New Jersey Plan?

Unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state

What was the Connecticut Compromise?

Creates a new congress with two houses: Senate and House of Representatives

What was the main argument of the Anti-Federalists?

The Constitution undermined states' rights and individual liberties.

What was the Anti-Federalist's view on government?

Strong state government, weak national government