A new nation flashcards

3rd unit in US GOV POl (Costantin0)

What year did the Revolution shift from rebellion to revolution?

1776

At first, what did most colonists want from Britain?

To remain loyal to the crown but have their rights respected as British citizens.

What petition did colonists send as a last effort for peace?

The Olive Branch Petition.

Why did the Olive Branch Petition push the colonists to revolution?

Britain ignored it, proving colonists would always be treated as second-class citizens.

Who were the three main contributors to the Declaration of Independence?

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams.

Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson.

Why was Jefferson chosen to write the Declaration?

He wrote well, had absorbed Enlightenment philosophy, and filtered Franklin and Adams’ ideas through his writing.

How is the Declaration of Independence described in history?

One of the most important documents in human history.

What was the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?

To formally declare independence from Britain and explain why.

Why did the colonists justify overthrowing Britain’s rule?

Governments should only be overthrown when they fail to do their job of protecting rights.

What fundamental belief did America state in the Declaration?

All men are created equal with inalienable rights.

Who holds ultimate power in government, according to the Declaration?

The people. Governments must answer to them.

Why was America unique after the Declaration?

It was the first nation built on Enlightenment ideas of equality and rights.

What crimes of Britain were listed in the Declaration?

Taxation, quartering troops, Boston Massacre, closing harbors, etc.

When was the Declaration of Independence ratified?

July 2, 1776.

When was the Declaration signed?

July 4, 1776.

:Did all delegates from Pennsylvania sign the Declaration?

No, one (John Dickinson) refused, but the other two outvoted him.

What earlier plan influenced the Articles of Confederation?

Ben Franklin’s Albany Plan (1754), based on the Iroquois Confederacy.

Who drafted the Articles of Confederation?

John Dickinson.

When did the Articles go into effect?

Used starting in 1776, fully ratified in 1781.

What type of government did the Articles create?

A confederation, or “league of friendship,” not a unified nation.

How did states see themselves under the Articles?

As sovereign and independent, like separate nations.

Why didn’t the AoC work well?

Each state wanted to remain independent, making unity weak.

What type of legislature did the Articles establish?

A unicameral (one-house) legislature.

How many votes did each state have under the Articles?

One vote per state.

How many votes were required to pass laws?

Nine (a supermajority).

How many votes were required to amend the Articles?

Unanimous agreement (all 13 states).

Why was the government intentionally weak under the Articles?

The states feared a strong central authority like a king.

Why was there no executive branch under the Articles?

Colonists had just overthrown a king and didn’t want another.

Who was John Hanson under the Articles?

President of the Continental Congress, not of the nation.

Did the Articles include a judicial branch?

Only for piracy cases; all other disputes left to states.

What military powers did the Articles grant the national government?

Control of the navy and officers above colonel.

How did the Articles handle militias?

The national government had to ask states to supply soldiers.

What diplomatic powers did the national government have (AoC)?

Only it could negotiate treaties with other nations.

What restrictions existed on foreign influence? (AoC)

No foreign gifts or titles of nobility.

What liberties did the Articles protect?

Religious freedom, free speech, free movement, and extradition between states.

How did the Articles promote commerce?

Ended trade barriers and created post offices.

What were major weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

No national taxes, no strong military, weak central government, and difficulty passing laws.

Why did the national government fall into debt under the Articles?

It relied on states to contribute money, and many refused.

Why did soldiers have split loyalties under the Articles?

They listened to their state generals over the national one.

What was Shays’ Rebellion (1787)?

A farmers’ revolt in Massachusetts over back pay, debt, and taxes.

Why couldn’t the national government stop Shays’ Rebellion?

It couldn’t raise money or troops without state cooperation.

How was Shays’ Rebellion eventually put down?

Massachusetts militia suppressed it.

What did Shays’ Rebellion reveal about the Articles?

The national government was too weak to handle crises.

What did Shays’ Rebellion lead to in 1787?

Calls for a new convention, leading to the U.S. Constitution.