Unit 2 Revolution UNKOWN Terms

Boycott “Red Coats”

don’t use anything from the British, boycott British goods

Martial Law

Military control over civilians during emergencies instead of police or law-enforcement members

Quartering Act

Required colonists to house and feed British soldiers.

Militia / Minutemen

Citizen soldiers ready to fight at a minute’s notice; first fought at Lexington and Concord.

Social Contract

Idea that government exists by consent of the governed; if it violates rights, people can overthrow it.

Unicameral

Having one lawmaking chamber. (Only one group of people makes laws)

John Locke

English philosopher; inspired Jefferson with “natural rights.”

George Washington

Commander of the Continental Army.

John Adams

Patriot leader; helped draft the Declaration and later became president.

John Hancock

First signer of the Declaration; president of the Continental Congress

Crispus Attucks

First person killed in the Boston Massacre.

Patrick Henry

Patriot known for “Give me liberty or give me death!” speech.

First person to speak out about British rule

He’d rather die than live under British rule

How did King George III and Parliament roll back Salutary Neglect?

By enforcing old trade laws and taxing colonies directly (e.g., Sugar Act, Stamp Act).

What two purposes did the Declaration of Independence serve?

(1) Announce separation from Britain.
(2) Explain why — listing grievances and natural rights philosophy.

How did the Declaration of Independence reflect John Locke’s ideas?

It used Locke’s principles: natural rights and social contract theory.

Structure under the Articles of Confederation:

One branch (Congress)

Each state had one vote

No president or national court system

Problems under the Articles

Couldn’t tax states → no money

No executive → weak enforcement

No judiciary → no way to resolve disputes

No uniform currency → trade chaos

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting in Philadelphia to revise the Articles (led to the U.S. Constitution).

Virginia Plan

Proposed representation based on population; favored large states.

New Jersey Plan

Equal representation per state; favored small states.

Connecticut (Great) Compromise

Created a bicameral Congress — Senate (equal) and House (population).

Bicameral Legislature

Two-house lawmaking body.

Federalists

Supported the Constitution and strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed it; wanted a Bill of Rights and weaker federal government.

3/5 Compromise

Each enslaved person counted as 3/5 of a person for representation. Continuation of slave trade until 1808

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments guaranteeing individual rights.

Virginia Declaration of Rights

Inspired the Bill of Rights.

Virginia Statute of Religious Freedom

Guaranteed freedom of religion (Jefferson)

James Madison

“Father of the Constitution.”

George Washington

President of the Constitutional Convention.

Alexander Hamilton

Strong federalist; co-wrote The Federalist Papers.

Roger Sherman

Proposed the Great Compromise.

Patrick Henry

Anti-Federalist; feared strong central government.

George Mason

Demanded a Bill of Rights.

Ben Franklin

Oldest delegate; encouraged unity.

Goals of the Constitutional Convention:

Fix the Articles and create a stronger but limited government.

Purpose in the Preamble

To form a more perfect union, ensure justice, peace, defense, welfare, and liberty.

Locke’s influence

“Secure the blessings of liberty” — government exists to protect rights.

Ratified

1788 (Bill of Rights added 1791).

Federalists

strong central gov, no Bill of Rights needed

Anti-Federalists

wanted protections for liberties

Bill of Rights compromise

Added to satisfy Anti-Federalists and guarantee freedoms.

Constitution as compromise

 Balanced power between federal and state governments.

 3/5 Compromise significance

 Increased Southern representation in Congress while maintaining slavery.

1st amendment

Freedom of speech, religion, press, petition, assembly

2nd amendment

Right to bear arms

4th amendment

No unreasonable searches or seizures

5th amendment

Due process; no double Jeopardy or self-incrimination

6th amendment

Right to a speedy, fair trial

8th amendment

No cruel or unusual punishment