Ch 6 - Ch 10

Sons of Liberty

A secret organization formed in response to the Stamp Act of 1765 that used protests, boycotts, and intimidation to oppose British policies, often led by figures like Samuel Adams.

Actual Representation

The colonial belief that only directly elected representatives, accountable to the people, could levy taxes. This meant British Parliament had no right to tax the colonies.

Virtual Representation

The British argument that Parliament represented all British subjects, including colonists, even without direct election. They believed all subjects shared common interests represented by Parliament.

Townshend Duties

A series of acts imposing indirect taxes on imports like glass, lead, paper, and tea to raise revenue and assert British authority. These taxes were collected at port.

Committees of Correspondence

Networks created by Patriot leaders starting in 1772 to facilitate communication and coordinate resistance against British policies. They helped unite the colonies against British rule.

Coercive Acts (Intolerable Acts)

Punitive laws enacted by the British Parliament in 1774 to punish Massachusetts after the Boston Tea Party, which included closing Boston Harbor and reducing self-governance. These acts led to greater colonial unity.

First Continental Congress

A gathering of delegates from twelve colonies in response to the Coercive Acts in 1774 to discuss a unified approach. They called for a boycott of British goods and sent a petition to King George III.

Second Continental Congress

The congress that managed the national government from 1775, established the Continental Army with George Washington as commander, and issued the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

The Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the U.S. (1781-1789) establishing a weak central government with limited powers, which struggled with issues like taxation and enforcing laws.

Shays’ Rebellion

An armed uprising by debt-ridden farmers in Massachusetts in 1786-1787, led by Daniel Shays. This event exposed the critical weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the need for a stronger national government.

The Virginia Plan

A proposal for a strong national government with a bicameral legislature, where representation in both houses would be based on state population. This favored larger states.

The New Jersey Plan

A counter proposal for a unicameral legislature with equal representation for each state, ensuring that smaller states had an equal voice. This favored smaller states.

Federalists

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution who advocated for a strong central government and national unity. Key figures included James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay, who believed a strong government would ensure stability.

Antifederalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government would threaten individual liberties and state sovereignty. They often argued for a Bill of Rights to protect citizen freedoms.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, written under the pseudonym 'Publius' by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. They explained and defended the principles of the proposed government.