1776 Competition

"Why does Pericles’ Funeral Oration matter to American ideas of democracy?"

It praises civic duty, democracy, and sacrifice for the state — ideas the Founders used to explain liberty and self-government.

"Name two key rights from Magna Carta that the Founders later used."

"No taxation without consent (clause 12); due process / trial by peers (clause 39)."

"How did “Vindiciae contra Tyrannos” justify resisting a bad ruler?"

"A ruler who violates God’s law becomes a tyrant and may lawfully be resisted by the people."

"What does the Mayflower Compact show about self-government?"

"Colonists agreed to create their own laws and obey them for the general good — early example of consent of the governed."

"How did the Petition of Right limit the king’s power?"

No taxation without Parliament, no imprisonment without cause, no quartering soldiers, no martial law in peacetime.

"Why were early colonial documents like the Virginia Articles important?"

They showed colonists creating strict rules for order, religion, and survival — practice for later American self-government.

"What is John Winthrop’s view of liberty vs. license?"

"Natural liberty is doing whatever you want (license); civil liberty is doing what is right under law and authority."

"How is the English Bill of Rights connected to the U.S. Bill of Rights?"

It limited the king’s power and protected rights like petition, free speech in Parliament, and no cruel punishments.

"What is Locke’s idea of the “state of nature”?"

Before government, all people are free and equal with natural rights to life, liberty, and property.

"How does Montesquieu’s separation of powers prevent tyranny?"

Power is divided among legislative, executive, and judicial branches so no one person or group can dominate.

"Name one way Locke or Montesquieu shows up in the Declaration."

“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” comes from Locke’s natural rights.

"Why did Jonathan Mayhew argue rebellion could be justified?"

When a ruler becomes a tyrant and violates God-given rights, resistance is a Christian duty.

"What rights did James Otis say the colonies already had?"

Same rights as British subjects — taxation only with consent, trial by jury, etc.

"Name one right protected by the English Bill of Rights that appears in the U.S. Bill of Rights."

"No cruel and unusual punishments (also: right to petition, no standing army in peacetime).

"What is the main idea of the Agreement of the People?"

"Government should be based on the consent of the governed and protect individual rights."

"What is the difference between natural liberty and civil liberty according to Winthrop?"

"Natural liberty = doing whatever you want; civil liberty = freedom to do what is right under law."

Why did the Virginia Articles, Laws and Orders emphasize religion?

To please God and bring order to a failing colony (Jamestown).

"What punishment did the Virginia Articles give for blasphemy?"

"First offense severe punishment, second a bodkin through the tongue, third death.

"Why were the Virginia Articles so strict?"

"The colony was failing due to disorder; harsh rules were needed for survival."

"What does the Virginia Articles say about obedience to leaders?"

Disobeying governors or officers could lead to whipping, galley service, or death.

"What is the main idea of the Petition of Right?"

The king cannot tax without Parliament, imprison without cause, quarter soldiers, or use martial law in peacetime.

"How does the Magna Carta clause 39 connect to the U.S. Constitution?"

"It is the origin of due process and trial by jury."

"How does Magna Carta clause 12 connect to American ideas?"

"No taxation without consent — root of “no taxation without representation.”"

"How does Magna Carta clause 40 connect to American ideas?"

Justice must not be sold, denied, or delayed.

"What is the main argument of Vindiciae contra Tyrannos?"

"Tyrants who break God’s law can be resisted by the people."

"What is the significance of the Mayflower Compact?"

"First written agreement for self-government in the New World."

"What did Locke say people could do if government violated natural rights?"

"The people have the right to overthrow that government."

"What is Montesquieu’s most important idea for the Founders?"

"Separation of powers into three branches to prevent tyranny."

"What is one example of colonial self-government before 1776?"

Mayflower Compact, Virginia House of Burgesses, or town meetings.

"Why is the English Bill of Rights considered a predecessor to the U.S. Bill of Rights?"

"It limited the monarch and protected individual rights against government power."

"What does “consent of the governed” mean?"

"Government power comes from the people’s agreement."

"What is the difference between the Petition of Right and the Magna Carta?"

"The Petition of Right restated and strengthened Magna Carta rights against the king."

"Why did the Founders study ancient Greece and Rome?"

They looked for examples of democracy, republics, and the dangers of tyranny.

"What is civic virtue?"

"The willingness of citizens to put the common good above their own self-interest."

"How did colonial documents prepare Americans for independence?"

"They practiced writing their own laws and limiting government power."

"What is the core idea of the “Little Speech on Liberty”?"

True liberty is freedom to do what is right under law, not freedom to do whatever you want.

"Name one Enlightenment thinker who influenced the Declaration."

"John Locke or Baron de Montesquieu."

"What does “unalienable rights” mean?"

"Rights that cannot be taken away by government because they come from God/nature."

"Why is the idea of natural rights important?"

"GovernGovernment exists to protect them; if it doesn’t, the people can change the government.

"How did the English Bill of Rights influence the First Amendment?"

"It protected free speech and the right to petition the king."

"Who was the first casualty of the American Revolution?"

Crispus Attucks (Boston Massacre, 1770).

"Who said “Give me liberty or give me death”?"

Patrick Henry (Virginia Convention, 1775).

"Who wrote Common Sense and why was it powerful?"

"Thomas Paine; it convinced ordinary colonists that independence was common sense."

"Name the three unalienable rights in the Declaration of Independence."

Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

"Why did the Declaration say governments get power from the consent of the governed?"

"Because people form governments to protect their natural rights; if government fails

"What were two major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?"

"No power to tax; no power to regulate interstate commerce."

"Name one key battle that was a turning point and why."

"Saratoga — convinced France to ally with America."

"Why is the Battle of Bunker Hill important?"

"Showed Americans could stand up to British regulars even in defeat (“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes”)."

"How did Washington use the Newburgh Address?"

"He calmed angry officers threatening mutiny and kept the army loyal to civilian government."

"What warning did Washington give in his Circular Letter?"

"Americans must stay united or the Revolution would fail."

"Name one signer of the Declaration who suffered at the hands of the British."

"Richard Stockton (imprisoned and his home destroyed) or Francis Lewis (wife imprisoned)."

"What was the purpose of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?"

"To convince ordinary colonists that independence from Britain was logical and necessary."

"What was the Treaty of Paris (1783)?"

"The treaty that officially ended the Revolutionary War and recognized American independence."

"How did the Battle of Trenton change the war?"

"Washington’s surprise attack boosted morale and prevented the army from disbanding."

"What role did Phillis Wheatley’s poem play?"

"It showed African-American support for the Patriot cause and was sent to George Washington."

"Who was the Mohawk address to and why was it important?"

"Addressed to the Continental Congress; it called for unity among the colonies."

"What did the Newburgh Address prevent?"

"A potential military coup or mutiny by unpaid Continental Army officers."

"Why is the Battle of Princeton significant?"

"Another Washington victory that kept the Revolution alive in 1777."

"What was the significance of the Battle of Valcour Island?"

"Benedict Arnold’s naval delay slowed the British advance on New York."

"Name one founder who wrote the Declaration of Independence."

"Thomas Jefferson (primary author)."

"What does the Declaration say about the right to alter or abolish government?"

When a government becomes destructive of the people’s rights, it is the right and duty of the people to alter or abolish it.

"What was one weakness of the Articles of Confederation regarding money?"

"Congress could not tax — it could only ask states for money."

"Name a battle where American forces used guerrilla tactics."

"King’s Mountain or the Southern campaigns led by Francis Marion."

"How did the French alliance help the Americans?"

Provided troops, navy, and money that made Yorktown possible.

"What was the main idea of Washington’s Farewell Address?"

Avoid permanent foreign alliances, beware of political parties, and stay united as one nation.

"Name one compromise at the Constitutional Convention."

Great Compromise (bicameral legislature: equal Senate, population-based House).

"What was the Three-Fifths Compromise?"

"Enslaved people would be counted as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation."

What does Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution give Congress power to do?

What does Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution give Congress power to do?

"What is Federalist 10’s main solution to factions?"

"A large republic with many competing interests so no single faction can dominate."

"How does Federalist 51 explain checks and balances?"

"“Ambition must be made to counteract ambition” — each branch checks the others."

"Why did Publius argue for a strong executive in Federalist 70?"

Energy, unity, and decisiveness in the presidency.

"What was Brutus’s biggest fear about the Constitution?"

"It created a too-powerful national government that would destroy state power and individual liberty."

"Why did Anti-Federalists demand a Bill of Rights?"

"To explicitly protect individual liberties from federal overreach."

"What warnings did Washington give in his Farewell Address?"

Avoid permanent alliances, beware of political parties, and stay united.

"What does the Bill of Rights primarily protect?"

"Individual liberties from government power (first 10 amendments)."

"Name the first 5 presidents and one key role each played in the founding."

"1. George Washington – Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and president of the Constitutional Convention.

2. John Adams – Key leader for independence in the Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration.

3. Thomas Jefferson – Primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

4. James Madison – “Father of the Constitution” and major author of the Federalist Papers.

5. James Monroe – Founding-era diplomat and last of the “Virginia Dynasty” presidents."

"Who drew the famous picture of the Boston Massacre and where was it shown?"

"Paul Revere engraved it (based on Henry Pelham’s drawing). It was published in newspapers (Boston Gazette) and sold widely as propaganda to inflame colonial anger against the British."

"What was the purpose of the Annapolis Convention?"

"To discuss trade problems under the Articles of Confederation and call for a larger meeting in Philadelphia."

"List three “vices” Madison saw in the Articles of Confederation."

No power to tax, no power to regulate commerce, no enforcement of laws.

"Why did the delegates decide to meet in Philadelphia in 1787?"

"To fix the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation after Shays’ Rebellion."

"Explain the Great Compromise."

"Bicameral legislature: equal representation in Senate

"Why was the Three-Fifths Compromise controversial?"

"It gave Southern states more representation in Congress while counting enslaved people."

"What is Federalist 51’s famous line about human nature?"

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

"Why did Anti-Federalists like Brutus fear a strong national government?"

"It would swallow up the states and threaten individual liberties."

"What is one purpose of the Bill of Rights?"

"To protect individual freedoms from possible abuse by the new federal government."

"Name one battle in the Southern campaign."

"King’s Mountain (Patriot victory that weakened British control in the South)."

"Why is Yorktown considered the final major battle?"

"British General Cornwallis surrendered to Washington and French forces."

"How did naval battles like Flamborough Head help the Patriots?"

John Paul Jones defeated the British Serapis, showing American naval strength.

"Why is Crispus Attucks important to the Revolution?"

"He was the first casualty of the Boston Massacre and became a symbol of Black patriotism."

"How did Washington’s leadership win the war?"

He kept the army together through Valley Forge, used surprise attacks, and accepted civilian control.

"What made Margaret Corbin’s story remarkable?"

"She took her husband’s place at the cannon during the Battle of Fort Washington."

"How did Lafayette help the American cause?"

"French nobleman who brought troops, money, and convinced France to send more aid.

"Why was Baron de Steuben valuable at Valley Forge?"

"He trained the Continental Army in European drill and discipline."

"What made John Paul Jones a naval hero?"

"Bold raids on British ships; famous quote “I have not yet begun to fight.”"

"Why did Benedict Arnold’s treason hurt the Patriots?"

"He tried to surrender West Point to the British."

"How did Francis Marion (“Swamp Fox”) fight differently?"

"Guerrilla warfare in South Carolina swamps — hit-and-run tactics against the British."

"How did Enlightenment ideas lead to the Constitution?"

"Locke’s rights + Montesquieu’s separation of powers + ancient examples created a republic with limited government."

"Explain one compromise at the Convention and why it was necessary."

"Great Compromise — prevented large states from dominating small states and saved the Convention."

"Why does the entire Revolutionary era show the importance of civic virtue?"

"Leaders and citizens sacrificed personal gain for the common good of the new nation."

"How are the Declaration and Constitution connected?"

"The Declaration states the principles of liberty; the Constitution creates the government to protect those principles."