Social Studies (Chapter 5; Grade 8)

nonimportation

the act of not importing or using certain goods

committee of correspondence

an organization that spread political ideas through the colonies.

minutemen

companies of civilian soldiers who boasted that they were ready to fight on a minute’s notice.

petition

a formal request

preamble

the introduction to a formal document

Patriot

American colonist who favored American independence.

propaganda

ideas or information designed and spread to influence opinion.

repeal

to cancel an act or law

Loyalist

American colonists who remained loyal to Britain and opposed the war for independence

boycott

to refuse to buy items from a particular country

effigy

rag figure representing an unpopular individual.

writs of assistance

Legal document that enabled officers to search homes and warehouses for goods that might be smuggled.

militia

a group of civilians trained to fight in emergencies

revenue

incoming money

resolution

a formal expression of opinion.