History Chapter: Second Continental Congress

The governing body of the thirteen colonies during the American Revolution, formed in May 1775. It appointed George Washington as commander of the Continental Army and played a crucial role in drafting the Declaration of Independence.

A document that declared the thirteen American colonies independent from Great Britain, adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. It outlined the natural rights of individuals and argued for separation based on King George's violation of these rights.

Rights inherent to all individuals by virtue of their humanity, often considered universal and inalienable. In the Declaration of Independence, these are described as 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.'

The first government document adopted by the newly independent United States after declaring independence. It established a 'confederation', meaning a loose union of states where power rested with individual states rather than a central government.

A political system where a group of independent states agree to work together for common purposes, but each state retains significant autonomy and power.

The formal acknowledgment by a foreign power that a nation is independent and sovereign. This happened in 1783 when King George III acknowledged the United States as an independent nation.

A government structure that fails to effectively carry out its functions or manage its responsibilities. The Articles of Confederation proved to be inefficient due to a lack of power within the central government.

A gathering of delegates from the thirteen states in 1787 with the purpose of revising the Articles of Confederation. It eventually led to the creation of the United States Constitution.

The period of social and political upheaval leading to the establishment of a new nation. In the American case, this started with the declaration of independence and continued through the articles of confederation, eventually culminating in the creation of the constitution.

A government structure that effectively and efficiently carries out its functions, manages its responsibilities, and enforces its laws. The Constitutional Convention aimed to create such a system.