American History: Revolutionary War & Government

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Questions and Answers

What fundamental principle did colonists believe Britain violated, leading to their declaration of independence?

Monarchical Authority

Civil Duty

Divine Right of Kings

Social Contract (correct)

Who was primarily responsible for drafting the Declaration of Independence?

Richard Henry Lee

George Washington

Benjamin Franklin

Thomas Jefferson (correct)

Which significant event took place on July 4, 1776?

The signing of the Treaty of Paris

The announcement of the Bill of Rights

The end of the Revolutionary War

The adoption of the Declaration of Independence (correct)

Which of the following concepts was NOT commonly found in state constitutions during 1776-1777?

Absolute Monarchy Signup and view all the answers

What power was NOT granted to the central government under the Articles of Confederation?

Levy taxes Signup and view all the answers

Which obligation was NOT required from the states under the Articles of Confederation?

Create their own treaties with foreign nations Signup and view all the answers

What did the central government have the authority to do regarding disputes among states?

Settle disputes by Congress Signup and view all the answers

Which founding father replaced George Washington in the Virginia delegation during the Revolutionary War?

Thomas Jefferson Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant weakness of the Articles of Confederation regarding representation in Congress?

Each state received one vote, regardless of its size. Signup and view all the answers

Which power was explicitly denied to Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

Collecting taxes Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Committee of States under the Articles of Confederation?

To act for Congress when it was not in session. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Articles of Confederation say about the relationship between states?

States had to protect each other from attacks. Signup and view all the answers

How were soldiers managed under the Articles of Confederation?

States could appoint their own military leaders. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects a feature of the Articles of Confederation?

States were required to raise money for federal operations. Signup and view all the answers

Which compromise addressed how enslaved persons would be counted for representation?

Enslaved persons would count as 3/5 of a person. Signup and view all the answers

What limitation did Congress face regarding trade under the Articles of Confederation?

Congress was forbidden to act on slave trade for 20 years. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To persuade New York to ratify the Constitution Signup and view all the answers

Which state was the first to ratify the Constitution?

Delaware Signup and view all the answers

Why was the ratification of Virginia and New York particularly important?

They were two of the largest states in terms of population and influence Signup and view all the answers

What notable agreement is believed to have existed between Hamilton and Jefferson?

To move the capital to a location favorable to Virginia Signup and view all the answers

What does limited government imply in the context of constitutional principles?

The government has only the powers granted by the Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

What role did George Washington play in the ratification process?

He supported the Federalists and helped gain support in Virginia Signup and view all the answers

What prompted the introduction of the Bill of Rights?

A compromise demanded by Virginia and New York Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes a government where citizens elect representatives?

Republic Signup and view all the answers

In federalism, how is power structured?

Power is divided between national and state governments. Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Congress convene for the first time in Federal Hall?

1789 Signup and view all the answers

Who is referred to as the 'Father of the Constitution'?

James Madison Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of a bicameral legislature?

It consists of two houses, enabling a balance in lawmaking. Signup and view all the answers

Which option correctly defines a charter in the context of government?

A formal document granting authority from higher powers. Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect distinguishes federalism from other forms of governance?

Multiple levels of government sharing authority. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes ordered government?

Local governments based on systems from England. Signup and view all the answers

What is a petition in the context of governance?

A formal written request made to an authority. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of authority in a government practicing popular sovereignty?

The people Signup and view all the answers

Which principle emphasizes the election of representatives to govern on behalf of the populace?

Republicanism Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful?

Separation of powers Signup and view all the answers

How does the principle of checks and balances maintain government accountability?

By enabling each branch to limit the powers of others Signup and view all the answers

What does the consent of the governed signify in a democratic society?

Government actions are based on popular approval Signup and view all the answers

Which principle ensures that no one, including government officials, is above the law?

Rule of law Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of judicial review in a democratic government?

To interpret constitutional laws Signup and view all the answers

In the context of governance, what does limited government imply?

The government has specific legal bounds and cannot exceed them Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Revolutionary War

George Washington led the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War.
Thomas Jefferson replaced Washington on the Virginia delegation.
In June 1776, Richard Henry Lee declared the colonies independent.
The Declaration of Independence was written primarily by Thomas Jefferson.
On July 4th, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was formally announced.

State Governments

State constitutions were adopted between 1776 and 1777.
They shared four common concepts:
- Civil rights and liberties
- Limited government
- Popular sovereignty
- Separation of powers and checks and balances

Central Government under the Articles of Confederation

The central government had limited powers under the Articles of Confederation.
- They could make war and peace
- Send and receive ambassadors
- Make treaties
- Borrow money
- Establish a monetary system
- Build a navy
- Raise an army by requesting troops from the states
- Set standards for weights and measures
- Settle disputes among the states.
States had obligations to the central government under the Articles.
- Provide funds and troops when requested by Congress.
- Treat citizens of other states fairly and equally.
- Give full faith and credit to the public acts, records, and proceedings of other states.
- Surrender fugitives from justice.
- Submit disputes to Congress for settlement.
- Allow open travel and trade between states.
- Obey the Articles of Confederation and Acts of Congress.
Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation:
- Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of size.
- Congress was powerless to lay and collect taxes or duties.
- There was no national court system.

Articles of Confederation

Article 1 established the name of the combined 13 states as the United States of America.
Article 2 recognized the ongoing powers of state governments not listed in the Articles.
Article 3 obligated the states to protect each other from attacks.
Article 4 allowed for free travel between states and required extradition of criminals.
Article 5 established the Congress of the Confederation with one vote per state and 2-7 delegates per state.
Article 6 granted the central government the power to negotiate with other countries, declare war, and assign ambassadors.
Article 7 allowed states to choose their own military leaders.
Article 8 required states to contribute financially to the central government.
Article 9 granted the central government exclusive power to declare war, make peace, and appoint ambassadors.
Article 10 created the Committee of States to act on behalf of Congress when it was not in session.
Article 11 allowed Canada to join the nation if it wished.
Article 12 obligated the government to pay past war debts.
Article 13 declared the Articles of Confederation as permanent and only changeable with unanimous consent of the states.

Compromises

The 3/5 Compromise:
- Free persons and 3/5 of enslaved persons were counted for representation and taxation.
- The Compromise addressed the tension between northern states who wanted to limit slavery and southern states who wanted to maintain it.
The Commerce and Slave Trade Compromise:
- Congress was prohibited from taxing exports and slave trade was protected for 20 years.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Ratification of the Constitution:
- The Constitution was adopted after nine states ratified it.
- The delay in ratification was due to the need for larger states, like Virginia and New York, to also ratify.
The Federalist Papers:
- In 1787-1788, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote 85 essays to persuade New York to ratify the Constitution.
- These essays became known as the Federalist Papers.
- The Federalist Papers were instrumental in influencing the ratification of the Constitution in New York.
Influence of George Washington:
- Washington's support helped to garner support in Virginia, which was critical for ratification.
- A potential agreement between Hamilton and Jefferson over the location of the capital may have also influenced Virginia's decision.

Key Players

George Washington:
- Promoted the Constitutional Convention and the process of amending the Constitution.
- Advocated for ratification among the states.
James Madison:
- Considered the "Father of the Constitution," he played a key role in drafting the Constitution and the Federalist Papers.
Thomas Jefferson:
- Advocated for the inclusion of a Bill of Rights and drafted the Declaration of Independence.
Alexander Hamilton:
- Co-authored the Federalist Papers with Madison and played a key role in building support for the Constitution.

Early Years of the United States

The First Congress convened in Federal Hall on March 4, 1789.
The first presidential term began in 1789.
The capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790 and then to Washington D.C. in 1800 under President Jefferson.
In the first presidential election in 1792, George Washington was unanimously elected.
Washington served two terms as president and set a precedent for future presidents, which was followed until Franklin D. Roosevelt's four terms.

Key Vocabulary

Limited Government: The government has only the powers granted to it by the Constitution.
Ordered Government: Local governments based on the English system.
Representative Government: Citizens choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Charter: A written grant of authority from the King.
Unicameral: A one-house legislature.
Bicameral: A two-house legislature.
Federalism: A form of government where power is shared between a national government and state governments.
Petition: A formal written request made to an authority or organized body.
Republic: A government where citizens elect representatives.
Republican: Someone who supports a republican form of government.

7 Constitutional Principles

Limited Government: The government’s powers are restricted to prevent tyranny.
Federalism: Balances power between national and state governments.
Popular Sovereignty: The people are the source of government power.
Republicanism: Citizens elect representatives to make laws and govern.
Separation of Powers: The government is divided into three branches, each with separate powers.
Balance of Powers/Checks and Balances: Each branch of government can limit the power of the others.
Consent of the Governed: The government is legitimate because people approve of it.
Rule of Law: Everyone, including government officials, must follow the law.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the Revolutionary War, state governments, and the Articles of Confederation. This quiz covers key figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, along with important concepts such as civil rights and limited government. Challenge yourself to understand the foundation of American governance.