Am Revolution

Question 1

Articles of Confederation

Answer 1

1781. First constitution of US, creating a weak government. Replaced by Constitution 1789 due to inability to effectively govern

Question 2

Battle of Lexington / Concord

Answer 2

1775. Start of American Revolution War.
      First military engagement between Britain and American colonists

Question 3

Battle of Saratoga

Answer 3

1777. Crucial turning point in American Rev. Ended in a decisive American victory, convincing France formally ally with US

Question 4

Battle of Yorktown

Answer 4

1781. Final major battle of American Rev. American and French forces defeated British, leading to eventual surrender of British General Cornwallis and securing independence for US

Question 5

Bill of Rights

Answer 5

1791. 10th amendment, guaranteeing fundamental rights like freedom of speech, religious. Created to protect individual liberties and limit government power

Question 6

Checks and balances

Answer 6

System in US government that prevents any branch from becoming too powerful by allowing each branch to limit actions of others

Question 7

Constitution

Answer 7

1788. Supreme law of US, establishing framework for federal government and outlining rights of citizens. Created system of checks and balances

Question 8

Constitutional Convention

Answer 8

1787 in Philadelphia. Delegates gathered to address weaknesses of Articles of Confederation. Resulting in drafting US constitution

Question 9

Lord Charles Cornwall

Answer 9

British Army officer and colonial admin during American Rev. Known for his tole in Siege of Yorktown 1781, where his surrender to American and French forces effectively ended the war

Question 10

Declaration of independence

Answer 10

1776. Document American used to declare independence. Drafted by Thomas Jeff.

Question 11

Enlightenment

Answer 11

1680. Age of reasoning, influencing modern democracies and ideas about liberty and rights

Question 12

Federalism

Answer 12

System or government in which power is divided between central authority and individual states. Allows states to exercise certain powers independently while federal government handles national issues

Question 13

Federalist papers

Answer 13

1787. 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay. Published to promote ratification of US constitution and explain principles of proposed government, advocating for a strong central authority

Question 14

Franco-American Alliance

Answer 14

1778. Military alliance between US and France. Provided crucial support America needed including aid and recognition of American socereignty

Question 15

George 3

Answer 15

1760. Developed Stamp Act and Townshend. His actions lead to colonies declaring for independence

Question 16

Alexander Hamilton

Answer 16

Founding father of US and first secretary of Treasury. Key architect of American financial system, advocating for strong central government, a national bank, and assumption of state debts while also being prominent author of Federalist Papers

Question 17

Thomas Jefferson

Answer 17

A key Founding Father. Drafted Declaration of Independence and promoted individual rights, religious freedom, and separation of church and state

Question 18

Magna Carta

Answer 18

Signed 1215. Foundational document in history of Democracy and constitutional law. Everyone has to follow the law

Question 19

John Locke

Answer 19

English philosopher whose ideas greatly influenced Enlightenment and development of modern political thoughts. Ideas of natural rights

Question 20

Baron de Montesquieu

Answer 20

French philosopher known for ideas of separation of powers, outlined in his work “The Spirit of the Law”. Influenced US Constitution and establishment of checks and balances

Question 21

Northwest Ordinance

Answer 21

1787. provided method of admitting new states to Union and set important precedents for land policy, public edu, and prohibition of slavery in territory

Question 22

Preamble (Constitution)

Answer 22

Introductory statement that outlines document’s purpose and guiding principles. Emphasizes goals like promoting justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing common defense and securing blessings of liberty

Question 23

Popular Sovereignty

Answer 23

Principle that authority of a government is created and sustained by consent of people through election. Consent was foundational in formatting US government

Question 24

2nd Continental Congress

Answer 24

Convened in 1775, shortly after Rev started. Serviced as governing body of American colonies. Managed the colonial war effort, appointing George Washington as commander of Continental Army, and adapted Declaration of Independence in 1776

Question 25

Veto

Answer 25

Power of executive authority, such as president or governor, to reject a proposed law or bill passed by legislative branch. President can veto legislation, which Congress can override with 2/3 majority in both houses

Question 26

George Washington

Answer 26

First president, and key leader during American Rev War. Often referred to as “Father of His Country”. Crucial in founding nation, presiding over Constitutional Convention and establishing many precedents for the presidency

Question 27

Year of Declaration of Independence

Answer 27

1776

Question 28

Year of Cornwall surrender at Yorktown

Answer 28

1781

Question 29

Constitution Ratified, George Washington takes office year

Answer 29

1789

Question 30

Purpose of declaration of independence

Answer 30

1. Justify US’s decision to break away from Britain 2. Government are legitimate only if they protect people 3. People can rebel when government doesn’t protect

Question 31

Townshend Act

Answer 31

1767 tax on British glass, lead, paper, and tea

Question 32

Stamp Act

Answer 32

1765, required legal documents to have an official stamp

Question 33

Missouri Compromise

Answer 33

1820 allowed Missouri to join as slave state and Maine becomes free state. Banned slavery north of 36* 30’ line