Foundations of America and Early Independence

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding the foundations of America, critical figures, and significant events leading to independence, as well as the Constitution and its fundamental principles.

What are the foundations of America?

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

Why does Howard Zinn criticize Christopher Columbus?

Zinn criticizes Columbus because history books portray him as a hero while ignoring the negative impact of his actions.

What perspective does Zinn provide in his storytelling?

He tells the story from the perspective of the oppressed, not the powerful.

What beliefs did the English colonizers have about their purpose in America?

The English believed they were meant to spread their religion and establish a better life.

What do the Pilgrims and Puritans believe about hard work?

They believed hard work and moral living were signs from God.

What were some tenets of native society in New England?

Natives shared land, respected the environment, and lived peacefully.

How did the English interactions with Native tribes differ from those of the French and Dutch?

The French and Dutch traded and allied with Natives, whereas the English engaged in wars that devastated Native populations.

What was the story of the Stockbridge Indians about?

It is a story of resistance, as they fought to maintain their land and rights.

What was the colonial argument against the Stamp Act?

Colonists believed it was unjust to be taxed without having representation.

What concept did many in Britain reject regarding colonial representation?

They believed in virtual representation, asserting that Parliament represented all British subjects.

Why was Thomas Paine's Common Sense impactful?

It made the idea of independence clear and accessible to a broad audience.

What argument did Jefferson make against George III in the Declaration of Independence?

He argued that George III abused his power and violated the colonists' natural rights.

Who was Jefferson's intended audience for the Declaration of Independence?

American colonists and the global audience.

What motivated the Framers to attend the Constitutional Convention?

To fix the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

What was the major argument about government at the Constitutional Convention?

The extent of power that the federal government should have.

How did the Framers expand federal power?

By creating a stronger central government with three branches and checks and balances.

What were the Antifederalist arguments against the Constitution?

They opposed a strong central government that might infringe on state rights, preferring a Bill of Rights for protection.

What was the Bill of Rights?

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution that protect individual freedoms.

What is virtual representation?

The idea that Parliament represented all British subjects, including those who could not vote.

What is the significance of the Battle of Trenton?

It was George Washington's surprise attack that boosted American morale during the Revolution.

What did 'No taxation without representation' signify?

Colonists' belief that they should not be taxed without having parliamentary representation.

What were the Intolerable Acts?

Punitive laws designed to punish Massachusetts and unite the colonies against Britain.

What did the Treaty of Paris (1783) accomplish?

It officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized the U.S. as an independent nation.

What was Shay's Rebellion?

An uprising in Massachusetts against taxation, showing the weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

What was the Great Compromise?

Agreement to create a bicameral legislature with representation based on population and equal representation.

What does Separation of Powers refer to?

The division of government into three branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

What do Checks and Balances ensure?

Each government branch can limit the powers of the others to maintain balance.

Who is known as the 'Father of the Constitution'?

James Madison.

What did the Federalist Papers support?

They supported the ratification of the Constitution.

What was the significance of Thomas Paine's Common Sense?

It inspired many colonists to support independence from Britain.

What did the Declaration of Independence assert about the role of government?

Governments exist to protect the natural rights of people.

What was unique about the 3/5 Compromise?

It counted enslaved persons as three-fifths of a person for representation purposes.