Unit 2: Constitutional Foundations REVIEW

Boston Massacre

a deadly riot resulting from colonial protests of British tax laws like the Stamp Act and Townshed Acts.

Proclamation Line of 1763

imaginary line along the Appalachian Mountains limiting colonial movement west following the French and Indian war.

Declaration of Independence

written by Thomas Jefferson; document stating our independence from England; contains ideas from John Locke; lists grievances against the King; includes a social contract.

Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Quartering Act, Townshed Act, Intolerable Acts

laws created by Parliament to tax and control the lives of colonists.

Colonial Protests (Boston Tea Party & boycotts)

reactions by the colonists to laws they felt were unjust; some turned violent.

Salutary Neglect

Britain’s relaxed involvement in the political lives of their colonies.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

national government too weak and couldn’t tax; no executive or judicial branches, no national currency.

Accomplishments of the Articles of Confederation

Northwest Ordinance of 1787 (established procedure for which territories could become states) & the idea of a representative government

Causes of the French and Indian War

struggle between French and Britain colonists over land in the Ohio River Valley.

Effects of the French and Indian War

Britain ended policy of salutary neglect; proclamation line of 1763 enforced; new taxes issues to colonists.

“No taxation without representation”

cry by the colonists over taxes they were forced to pay when they weren’t represented in British Parliament.

Shay’s Rebellion

Massachusetts farmers who carried out attacks on government properties; showed Articles of Confederation too weak for government to endure.

Common Sense

Thomas Paine’s pamphlet arguing reasons to justify (defend) American independence.

Declaration of Independence (purpose of government)

protect citizens & unalienable rights.

Declaration of Independence (people’s unalienable rights)

life, liberty, pursuit of happiness.

Declaration of Independence (where government power comes from)

“consent of the governed” (the people).

Declaration of Independence (the right of revolution)

people could reject & overthrow rule under an abusive government.