Declaration of Independence and Constitution Flashcards

Flashcards to review key concepts from the lecture on the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and related historical events.

Preamble of the Declaration

Justifying to the world, why America was breaking away and the need to declare independence.

Unalienable rights

Basic rights that can’t be taken away—like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

People’s right if a government fails to protect their natural rights

The right to change or abolish the government

Grievances against King George III

Taxation without representation, refused to approve necessary colonial laws, kept armies in colonies without approval, obstructing justice, cutting off trade.

Powers claimed for the newly independent states

Full power to wage war, make peace, form alliances, and trade.

Role of a colonial Governor

To execute law, command the militia, and veto laws.

Responsibilities of council in colonial governments

To be the cabinet of the Governor, the upper chamber of the legislature, and the Supreme Court.

Who elected the Assembly in colonial governments?

The people (white, male, property owners).

The Constitution, according to Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.

An experiment and a living organism.

Basic components included in a Constitution

The architecture of government, powers, and limits.

Philosophical period when the Constitution was founded

The Enlightenment (Age of Reason).

Four principles advanced during the Enlightenment

A law-like order of the natural world, the power of human reason, natural rights of individuals and self-government, and progressive improvement in society.

Two important political philosophers of the Enlightenment

John Locke and Charles Montesquieu.

John Locke advocated for

Natural rights, self-government, and rejection of the divine right of kings.

Charles Montesquieu advocate for

Written constitution and separation of powers.

The main colonial opposition to British-imposed taxes

Taxation without representation.

Purpose of the First Continental Congress

To restore harmony between colonies and Britain.

Action the Second Continental Congress took on June 7, 1776

Voted to declare that the United Colonies are free and independent states.

Who primarily wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

Approval of Declaration of Independence

July 4, 1776.

Articles of Confederation

America’s first constitution that created a "league of friendship" between the states

Three features of the Articles of Confederation

Created a weak central government with no power to tax and no executive or national court system.

Four reasons the Articles of Confederation failed

Government couldn’t tax, had no executive or courts, and was too weak to unify the states.

Shay's Rebellion

An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts protesting high taxes and debt.

What did Shay and his allies do in Springfield, Massachusetts?

Marched on an arsenal.

How was Shay's Rebellion put down?

Boston and Eastern merchants put up money and hired a private army.