History 2.6 Quiz: Creating an American Identity

Why did the English monarch have so little direct control over  colonial affairs (in contrast to the control that the French and Spanish monarchs had over  their colonies)?

In order to found colonies, the English monarch had granted charters to private companies or lord proprietors (owner), so the monarchs had little direct control over the English colonies.  

What political principles (qualities)  did the colonists bring with them from  England?

The principle of limiting the king's power through the Magna Carta, the document that guaranteed individual liberties such as the right to a trial, and the principle of elected  bodies that could vote on taxation.

How did the English Bill of Rights  strengthen and extend the rights established in the Magna Carta? 

1) heabeas corpus, the idea that no could be held in prison without being charged with a specific crime

2)Monarch prevented from keeping a standing army in times of peace without Parliament’s approval

In what ways did advances in science influence political thought during  the Enlightenment?

Just as scientists uncovered natural laws that explained the operations of the physical world, political thinkers looked for natural laws that could be applied to government, society and economics.

How did John Locke challenge both the authority of kings and of  the church? 

Locke believed that people had natural rights (life, liberty, and property) that came from God. not monarchs.  He also believed that people discern God’s existence and laws for themselves rather than authorities.  

What does the Great Awakening reveal about colonists’ attitudes to the  services of the established churches?

The emotional and enthusiastic nature of the Great Awakening revivals that many colonists felt that the established churches were perhaps too restrained and chilly in their ministries.

Why were the religious revivals of the Great Awakening held in locations  such as open fields, rather than inside churches?

because the churches were not filling a spiritual need, and perhaps many worshipers felt intimidated by the power and hierarchy (more important status than someone)  by the clergy (somebody in a church). 

How did the Great Awakening challenge existing social and religious  structures in the colonies?

-It popularized the idea that individuals could find their own salvation and inspired ordinary people , including women, to begin preaching. It also promoted the idea that salvation was open to everyone (no matter the color, gender, or religion) , not just to a privileged few.

-revolution = change