Questions and Answers
The Articles of Confederation provided a strong central government with the ability to enforce laws.
False
Shays’ Rebellion in 1786 was significant in demonstrating the need for a stronger national government.
True
The Declaration of Independence was written by Benjamin Franklin and focused mainly on economic issues.
False
The Great Compromise established a unicameral legislature with equal representation from all states.
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Under the Articles of Confederation, the state governments retained the majority of political power.
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Many colonists believed that taxation without representation violated the principle of consent of the governed.
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The Three-Fifths Compromise counted all slaves for representation in the House of Representatives.
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The First Continental Congress met to organize colonial resistance against British policies.
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The Articles of Confederation provided a strong central government that many Americans supported after independence.
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Congress was able to collect taxes directly under the Articles of Confederation.
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The Constitutional Convention was called to strengthen the powers of state governments.
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Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense' played a significant role in persuading colonists to support independence from Britain.
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Delegates from large states favored equal representation in Congress.
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The Boston Massacre was a peaceful protest that resulted in no casualties.
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The American colonies were able to secure their independence with assistance from both familiar land advantages and foreign aid from Spain.
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The Mississippi River became the western boundary of the U.S. after the end of the Revolutionary War.
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Study Notes
Declaration of Independence
- Composed by Thomas Jefferson, the document outlines colonial grievances against British rule.
- Draws heavily from Enlightenment thinkers, especially John Locke’s theory of natural rights emphasizing "consent of the governed."
- Establishes the principle that the government's purpose is to protect natural rights; if it fails, it can be overthrown.
- Similar to the Bill of Rights regarding limitations on governmental power and individual liberties.
- Fueled by the mantra "No Taxation Without Representation," asserting that colonists were unfairly taxed without a voice in Parliament.
Key Influences on Independence
- Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" significantly swayed undecided colonists towards independence.
- Increased opposition to British mercantilist policies led to organized resistance, including Committees of Correspondence, Non-importation Agreements, and the Boston Tea Party.
Major Events Leading to Revolutionary War
- Sugar Act: Tax imposed on foreign molasses; Stamp Act: Tax on printed materials.
- Quartering Act required colonists to house British soldiers; Townshend Acts taxed imported goods and tea.
- The Boston Massacre resulted in the death of five colonists at the hands of British soldiers.
- War began shortly after the Declaration of Independence, with American victory aided by local knowledge and French support.
- Mississippi River established as the western boundary post-war.
Articles of Confederation
- Served as the first governing document for the U.S. after declaring independence.
- Reflected American concern over a strong central government due to experiences under British rule.
- Established a decentralized political system granting power primarily to state governments.
- Limited effectiveness: Congress had no power to enforce laws, collect taxes, or maintain a standing army.
Successes and Failures of the Articles
- Successfully created a framework for governance of Western territories and facilitated the admission of new states.
- Problems included Congress’s dependence on state resources and inability to execute national policies.
Constitutional Convention (1787)
- Convened in Philadelphia to address weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation, primarily due to over-empowered states.
- Shays' Rebellion highlighted the need for a stronger national government and catalyzed the convention.
Great Compromise
- Resolved debate over state representation in Congress: a bicameral legislature was established.
- House of Representatives based on population, while the Senate ensured equal representation for all states.
Three-Fifths Compromise
- Addressed representation from states with large slave populations by counting three-fifths of the slave population for House representation.
Other Major Compromises
- Included agreements on Slave Trade, Taxation policies, and the Election of the President, reflecting the diverse interests of states.
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Description
This quiz covers the key themes of the American Revolution, focusing on the Declaration of Independence. It explores the colonial grievances against British rule and influences from Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke. Test your knowledge on the foundational democratic principles and concepts of governance discussed in this pivotal document.
