12. BUILDING A NATION (the road to independence, the American Revolution, the Constitution and the US political system—basic principles, branches of government and their representatives)

What was the British colonial system like in the early 18th century?

The British rule was decentralized, with colonial assemblies asserting authority, and many colonists felt strong ties to England.

What was the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763), and why was it significant to America?

A global conflict between Britain and France; the British victory in the war resulted in significant territorial gains but also left Britain with massive debt, leading to new taxes on the colonies

What were the consequences of the Treaty of Paris (1763) for Britain and France?

France lost its colonies in Canada and territories east of the Mississippi River, while Britain gained many territories, but also incurred a large war debt.

How did Britain try to resolve its post-war debt?

By imposing taxes on the American colonies, including the Sugar Act (1764), Currency Act (1764), and Stamp Act (1765), which caused unrest in the colonies.

What was the significance of the Boston Tea Party (1773)?

It was a protest against the Tea Act, where colonists dressed as Mohawk Indians threw tea into Boston Harbor, leading to harsh British reprisals.

What was the outcome of the First Continental Congress (1774)?

Delegates rejected British authority, called for military preparations, and agreed on a boycott of British goods. They planned to meet again the following spring.

What sparked the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775?

British soldiers were ordered to seize colonial military supplies, leading to confrontations with colonial minutemen in Lexington and Concord.

What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill (1775)?

It was a colonial victory that boosted American morale despite high casualties, and it marked a significant step toward independence.

What is the importance of the Declaration of Independence (1776)?

It declared the colonies’ independence from Britain, asserting that governments are formed to protect the rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

What was the turning point in the American Revolution?

The Battle of Saratoga (1777), where American forces won a decisive victory, leading France to officially support the American cause.

What was the outcome of the Siege of Yorktown (1781)?

British General Cornwallis surrendered, marking the end of the American Revolution.

What were the terms of the Treaty of Paris (1783)?

It ended the war, recognizing American independence and ceding territory to the United States.

What was the Articles of Confederation (1777), and why was it ineffective?

The first constitution of the United States, which gave too much power to the states, making it difficult for the federal government to function effectively.

Why was the Constitutional Convention convened in 1787?

To address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and create a more effective government structure.

vWhat are the key principles of the US Constitution?

The document outlines the creation of the federal government, separation of powers, and the rights of individuals.

What is the Bill of Rights?

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that protect individual rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and protection from unreasonable searches.

What does the 13th Amendment (1865) prohibit?

The abolition of slavery in the United States.

What does the 19th Amendment (1920) guarantee?

The right to vote cannot be denied on the basis of sex, granting women the right to vote.

What are the three branches of the US government?

The Executive (President), Legislative (Congress), and Judicial (Supreme Court).

What are the key duties of the President of the United States?

To enforce laws, direct foreign policy, command the military, and appoint judges and cabinet members.

What is the role of the Vice President?

To assume the presidency if the President dies or is incapacitated, and to preside over the Senate.

What are the two houses of Congress, and how are they structured?

The House of Representatives (435 members, based on population) and the Senate (100 members, 2 per state).

How are laws passed in the US?

A bill is introduced, discussed in the House and Senate, and then signed by the President. If the President vetoes it, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds majority

What are the major political parties in the US?

The Democratic Party (liberal, associated with working-class interests) and the Republican Party (conservative, associated with business owners).

What is the concept of “checks and balances” in the US political system?

Each branch of government can check the power of the others to ensure no single branch becomes too powerful (e.g., impeachment, judicial review).

What is the significance of the Supreme Court in the US?

It is the highest court in the country, responsible for interpreting the Constitution and ensuring laws are consistent with it.

What is the process for amending the US Constitution?

Amendments can be proposed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress and must be ratified by three-fourths of the state legislatures.

What is the line of presidential succession?

The order of officials who would take over the presidency in case of death, incapacitation, or resignation: President → Vice President → Speaker of the House → Senate Pro Tempore → Secretary of State.

What are the key differences between the Democratic and Republican parties in the US?

Democrats are more liberal, supporting social programs and labor rights, while Republicans are more conservative, advocating for limited government intervention in the economy and individual freedoms.

What is the role of political parties in the US political system?

Political parties help organize elections, represent voters’ interests, and facilitate the operation of the legislative process.

Why did the colonies grow increasingly discontented with British rule leading up to the American Revolution?

The colonies grew upset with the British government’s attempts to impose taxes and control trade, and with military presence in the colonies, leading to a sense of injustice and the loss of self-governance

What was the significance of the First Continental Congress (1774)?

It marked the first unified response of the colonies to British policies, establishing a coordinated boycott and setting the stage for the Declaration of Independence.

What was the importance of the Battle of Saratoga in 1777 for the American Revolution?

It was a turning point where the Americans won a decisive victory, leading France to formally ally with the colonies, providing crucial military and financial support.

How did the Treaty of Paris (1783) reshape the geopolitical landscape of North America?

The treaty recognized American independence and granted the US significant territorial gains, including land west of the Mississippi River, setting the stage for westward expansion.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that led to its replacement by the US Constitution?

The Articles gave too much power to individual states and lacked a strong federal government, leading to difficulties in handling economic crises, foreign relations, and internal conflict

What is the significance of the Bill of Rights in American governance?

The Bill of Rights guarantees fundamental freedoms and rights, including freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial, helping to protect individual liberties against government overreach.

How do the system of "checks and balances" and separation of powers function together in the US government?

They ensure that no one branch (executive, legislative, judicial) becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the power of the others, creating a balance of power.

What role do political parties play in the US electoral system?

Political parties organize and nominate candidates for elections, facilitate political discourse, and help structure legislative debate and policy-making.

What are the key responsibilities of the President of the United States as Commander-in-Chief?

The President has authority over the military, can direct military strategy, and is responsible for national defense, while also making decisions regarding national security.

How did the US political system evolve in response to the challenges after the American Revolution?

The shift from the Articles of Confederation to the US Constitution was driven by the need for a stronger central government to manage national issues like defense, trade, and diplomacy.

Why did the creation of political parties emerge despite the framers of the Constitution not initially envisioning them?

Political parties naturally developed as groups of individuals with shared interests and ideologies came together to organize and support candidates, leading to the two-party system in the US.

What role did the US Constitution play in the separation of powers between state and federal governments?

The Constitution delineated the powers of the federal government while reserving many powers for the states, ensuring a federalist structure of governance.