The Road to Independence and the Formation of the United States

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the formation of the United States, the Revolutionary War, and the early government.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for independence from Britain, likening it to breaking up with an abusive relationship.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States that established a confederation among the 13 states, lacking a strong central authority.

Battle of Saratoga

A pivotal battle in the Revolutionary War where the Americans won, leading to French and Spanish support.

Treaty of Paris 1783

The treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War, granting the United States its independence and territory.

Miami Confederacy

A coalition of Native American tribes, notably resisting U.S. expansion into the Northwest Territory.

Confederation

A form of government where groups or states unite for a common purpose while retaining their individual sovereignty.

John Locke

An Enlightenment thinker whose ideas about natural rights influenced the founding principles of the United States.

Separation of Powers

An Enlightenment concept where government powers are divided among branches to prevent tyranny.

Federalists

Political group advocating for a strong central government and support of the Constitution.

Antifederalists

Political group advocating for states' rights and a weaker federal government.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee individual liberties and rights.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that counted three out of five slaves for representation purposes in Congress.

Marbury v. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review, allowing courts to invalidate laws contrary to the Constitution.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by farmers in Pennsylvania protesting against the whiskey tax, which was swiftly suppressed by the federal government.

Electoral College

The mechanism established by the Constitution for the indirect election of the president and vice president of the United States.