Birth of the American Republic - Key Terms (VOCABULARY Flashcards)

Vocabulary flashcards covering major terms, people, events, and ideas from the lecture on the American Revolution and the creation of the U.S. Constitution.

Mercantilism

Economic theory that colonies exist to enrich the mother country; governments regulate trade to build national wealth.

Navigation Act

Parliamentary laws to regulate colonial trade and manufacture to benefit Britain; enforcement was limited, leading to smuggling.

Sugar Act (1764)

Tax on imported sugar and molasses to raise revenue for Britain.

Stamp Act (1765)

Tax on newspapers, pamphlets, and other paper goods.

No taxation without representation

Colonists’ argument that Parliament had no right to tax them without colonial representation.

Boston Massacre (1770)

Incident in which British soldiers killed five protesters; used to fuel anti-British sentiment.

Boston Tea Party (1773)

Colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor to protest the Tea Act and taxes.

Continental Congress

Colonial representatives who coordinated resistance and helped organize the Continental Army.

Continental Army

American army led by George Washington during the American Revolution.

Declaration of Independence

Formal statement declaring independence from Britain; reflects Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and government.

Right to alter or abolish unjust government

Lockean idea that people may change or remove a government that violates their rights.

Loyalist

Colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution.

Saratoga

1777 American victory that persuaded France to ally with the Americans.

French alliance

France joined the American cause after Saratoga, providing aid, troops, and naval support.

Valley Forge

Winter of 1777–1778 where Washington’s army endured hardship but remained intact.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Treaty ending the American Revolution; Britain recognized U.S. independence.

Articles of Confederation

First U.S. constitution; created a weak central government.

Constitution

Framework replacing the Articles; established a federal republic with separation of powers and checks and balances; became Supreme Law in 1789.

Federal republic

System where power is divided between the national government and the states, with representation for the people.

Separation of powers

Dividing government into legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Checks and balances

Each branch can limit the powers of the others to prevent tyranny.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments protecting basic rights (religion, speech, press) and limiting government power.

Montesquieu

Enlightenment philosopher whose idea of separation of powers influenced the Constitution.

John Locke

Philosopher whose ideas on natural rights and government by consent influenced American founding.

Rousseau

Enlightenment philosopher advocating the social contract and popular sovereignty.

Social contract

Agreement between the people and government; legitimacy depends on consent and protection of rights.

George Washington

Commander of the Continental Army; key leader and eventual first President of the United States.