American Revolution and Early U.S. Government

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms from the American Revolution and early United States history.

French & Indian War

A conflict fought by Great Britain and its colonies against France and its allies, before the American Revolution.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that encouraged colonists to seek independence from Britain.

Battle of Lexington & Concord

The first military engagements of the American Revolutionary War.

George III

The King of England during the American Revolution.

Taxation without representation

A grievance of the colonists against British rule, protesting taxes imposed without their consent.

Thomas Paine

The author of the pamphlet Common Sense, advocating for independence.

Second Continental Congress

The assembly that managed the colonial war effort in the American Revolution and moved incrementally towards independence.

Samuel Adams

A leader of the Sons of Liberty who played a key role in resisting British policies.

General Cornwallis

The British General who surrendered at Yorktown, ending the American Revolutionary War.

Battle of Yorktown

The last major battle of the American Revolutionary War, leading to British surrender.

Patrick Henry

A prominent figure known for his declaration 'Give me liberty or give me death'.

The Olive Branch Petition

A final attempt by the colonists to avoid war with Britain by asserting their loyalty.

Intolerable Acts

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament to punish the colonies after the Boston Tea Party.

Minutemen

Colonial militia members who were ready to fight at a minute's notice.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolution.

Propaganda

Information, especially of a biased or misleading nature, used to promote a political cause or point of view.

Paul Revere

A patriot who rode at midnight to warn the colonists that the British were coming.

Whiskey Rebellion

A revolt by farmers against a tax on whiskey, which tested the new government's authority.

Jays Treaty

A treaty between the U.S. and Britain that aimed to resolve issues remaining after the American Revolutionary War.

Electoral democracy

A form of government in which officials are chosen through elections.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

A political debate during the founding period regarding the balance of power between federal and state governments.

Republic

A form of government in which representatives are elected to make decisions on behalf of the people.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which created a weak central government.

Constitutional Convention

A gathering held in Philadelphia in 1787 to address the problems of the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation.

Reserved Powers

Powers not specifically granted to the federal government are reserved to the states.

Preamble

The introduction to the Constitution that states its purpose.