US History - Unit 1: Founding a Nation

New Ideas

1. Who was John Locke and which ideas of his influenced the American colonists and founding founders?

• John Locke was an English philosopher who argued for natural rights—life, liberty, and property—and the social contract. His ideas influenced the American colonists and Founding Fathers, particularly in the Declaration of Independence.

2. What was the Great Awakening?

• The great awakening was characterized by emotional preaching and an emphasis on personal religious experience over traditional church doctrines, fostering ideas of equality and individualism, which contributed to the colonial push for independence.

3. What were the Enlightenment ideas and which founding father exemplified the Enlightenment through his discoveries and inventions?

• An intellectual movement emphasizing reason, science, and individual rights. Benjamin Franklin demonstrated Enlightenment ideals through his inventions (lightning rod, bifocals) and scientific discoveries, blending rational thought with public service.

Revolution and Independence

4. What was the Proclamation of 1763 and how did the colonists react to it?

• Issued by Britain, it forbade American colonists from settling west of the Appalachian Mountains to avoid conflict with Native Americans. Colonists reacted with anger and defiance, as many wanted to expand westward.

5. Understand what the colonists meant when they proclaimed “No taxation without representation.”

• The colonists objected to being taxed by the British Parliament, where they had no elected representatives. They believed it was unjust to be taxed without having a say in government decisions.

6. Understand George Washington’s role during the American Revolution.

• Washington served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. He led key victories, including the surprise attack at Trenton and the final victory at Yorktown, securing American independence.

7. According to the Declaration of Independence, which truths are self-evident?

• The Declaration states that "all men are created equal" and are endowed with "unalienable rights," including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

8. What did Thomas Paine mean when he said in Common Sense, "The cause of America" is "the cause of all mankind"

• Paine argued that America's struggle for independence was a universal fight for freedom and democracy, making it a cause for all people seeking liberty, not just the American colonies.

Governing a New Nation

9. Understand the function of the Articles of Confederation.

• The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the U.S. It created a weak central government with limited powers, relying heavily on states' sovereignty. It lacked authority to tax or regulate commerce effectively.

10. Recognize the significance of the Northwest Ordinance of 1787.

• This law established a framework for governing the Northwest Territory and provided a method for admitting new states to the Union. It also prohibited slavery in the region, marking a significant step in the westward expansion and shaping U.S. policies on territorial growth.

11. Understand the purpose of the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia in 1787? And James Madison’s role there.

• The convention was held to address the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation. The result was the drafting of a new Constitution to create a stronger federal government. James Madison, known as the "Father of the Constitution," played a key role by contributing to its structure and drafting the Virginia Plan, which influenced the new government’s framework.

12. Know the words of the preamble of the US Constitution and what goals it sets for the US.

• "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

• The goals include unity, justice, peace, defense, general welfare, and liberty for future generations.

13. Identify the rights and responsibilities of the each branch of government as established by the US Constitution (Articles I, II, and III)

• Article I (Legislative): Creates Congress (House and Senate) to make laws, control spending, and declare war.

• Article II (Executive): Establishes the presidency to enforce laws, manage foreign policy, and serve as commander-in-chief.

• Article III (Judicial): Establishes the Supreme Court and lower courts to interpret laws and ensure they are constitutional.

14. What was the Connecticut Compromise?

• Also known as the Great Compromise, it resolved the conflict between large and small states by creating a bicameral legislature: the House of Representatives (based on population) and the Senate (equal representation for each state).