American Independence, the Revolutionary War, and the Constitution

Vocabulary flashcards covering the causes of the American Revolution, key events and turning points of the war, and the compromises and principles that shaped the United States Constitution.

French and Indian War

A conflict between Great Britain and France that led Britain to tax the American colonies to pay for the war, creating tension and anger over unfair treatment.

Proclamation of 1763

A British order following the French and Indian War that angered colonists by restricting their ability to settle west of the Appalachian Mountains.

No taxation without representation

The colonial principle that Great Britain had no right to tax colonists unless they had elected representatives in the government to give them a voice in laws and taxes.

Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, and Intolerable Acts

A series of escalations and British actions that provoked intense colonial anger, fueled widespread protests, and pushed the colonies toward seeking independence.

Lexington and Concord

The opening battles of the American Revolution that marked the start of the war and proved colonists were prepared to fight Great Britain for their freedom.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine explaining why the colonies should separate from Great Britain and convincing many colonists that they could govern themselves rather than be ruled by a king.

Declaration of Independence

A historic document establishing that all people possess natural rights, that governments derive their power from the people, and that citizens have the right to alter or remove an unjust government.

Natural rights

Fundamental rights identified in the Declaration of Independence—specifically life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness—which governments are obligated to protect.

Consent of the governed

The political principle that a government derives its authority and legitimate power directly from the people.

Patriots

American colonists who supported independence and actively sought freedom from British rule.

Loyalists

American colonists who opposed independence and remained loyal to the British king due to fear of change or reliance on Britain for jobs and protection.

Battle of Trenton

A critical victory by George Washington that restored soldiers' morale, renewed American hope of winning the war, and spurred military enlistment.

Valley Forge

The winter encampment where the Continental Army endured freezing temperatures, sickness, hunger, and supply shortages, but stayed united and emerged stronger and better trained.

Baron von Steuben

A military officer who drilled Continental Army soldiers in marching, maneuvering, and weapon use, creating a disciplined, organized, and prepared fighting force.

Battle of Yorktown

The decisive engagement where combined American and French ground troops and the French navy trapped the British army, compelling their surrender and ending the war.

Articles of Confederation

The first national framework of government for the United States, which proved too weak because it lacked the power to collect taxes, regulate trade, or enforce laws.

Shay's Rebellion

An armed uprising that demonstrated the national government under the Articles of Confederation was too weak to maintain order or stop domestic unrest, prompting calls for reform.

Virginia Plan

A proposal introduced at the Constitutional Convention favored by populous states that based legislative representation on a state's population.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal introduced at the Constitutional Convention favored by smaller states that provided each state with equal legislative representation.

Great Compromise

An agreement establishing a bicameral Congress consisting of the House of Representatives (proportional representation) and the Senate (equal representation per state).

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement between northern and southern states stipulating that each enslaved person would count as three-fifths of a person for legislative representation and taxation purposes.

Federalism

A system of government dividing power between the national government and state governments, with each handling designated areas while sharing certain powers.

Separation of powers

The constitutional distribution of national governmental responsibilities across three distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

Checks and balances

A constitutional system that enables each branch of government to restrain the power of the other branches, preventing any single branch from becoming too powerful.

Federalists

Supporters of the newly drafted United States Constitution who favored establishing a stronger central national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared the national government would become tyrannical, infringe on personal rights, and demanded the addition of a Bill of Rights.

Bill of Rights

A set of constitutional amendments designed to protect individual rights and civil liberties, added to satisfy Anti-Federalist objections and achieve state ratification.