2.1The Pre-Revolutionary Period and the Roots of the American Political Tradition WS

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What action did the colonists believe they had the right to take when the government becomes oppressive?

Establish new trade agreements with other countries.

Alter or abolish the government. (correct)

Annex neighboring territories for resources.

Increase taxes on the citizens.

What did Thomas Jefferson accuse the British monarch of in the text?

Granting full autonomy to the colonies.

Supporting the colonists' self-governing efforts.

Providing excessive freedoms to the colonists.

Taxing the colonists without their elected representatives' consent. (correct)

Why did the colonists sign the Declaration of Independence as mentioned in the text?

To receive more benefits from Britain.

To express loyalty to the British monarchy.

To establish a new form of government. (correct)

To maintain the status quo in governance.

What was the significance of the founders' commitment to creating a new kind of government?

They wanted to establish a democratic and self-governing system. Signup and view all the answers

What did the founders believe was their right if the British monarch abused his power?

To alter or abolish the oppressive government. Signup and view all the answers

What were the God-given rights, according to John Locke's ideas?

Life, liberty, and property Signup and view all the answers

Which document signed by King John in 1215 included protections for life, liberty, and property?

Magna Carta Signup and view all the answers

Who was the most significant influence on American beliefs about government?

John Locke Signup and view all the answers

Which seventeenth-century English philosopher's writings form the basis for many modern political ideas?

John Locke Signup and view all the answers

What did the British government recognize as its duty long before the settling of North American colonies?

Protecting lives, liberties, and property of English citizens Signup and view all the answers

What term did Locke use to refer to the agreement between a people and their government?

Social contract Signup and view all the answers

What action did Locke suggest people could take if the government abused its power?

Withdraw their consent to obey Signup and view all the answers

What was an important factor in the American colonies' decision to declare independence from England in 1776?

Government depriving people of liberties Signup and view all the answers

What did establishing a new government for the colonists involve?

Limiting government power over citizens' lives Signup and view all the answers

What core tenet of American political thought is closely related to limiting government power?

Belief in self-governance Signup and view all the answers

What foundational principles of the U.S. Constitution can be traced back to Magna Carta?

Due process and trial by jury Signup and view all the answers

Who was intended to receive protections under the original Magna Carta in 1215?

English barons Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between rights granted by the English king and those described by Locke?

Rights granted by God cannot be revoked Signup and view all the answers

What event led to the removal of King James II during the seventeenth century?

The Glorious Revolution Signup and view all the answers

Why was King James II particularly disliked during his reign before the Glorious Revolution?

He was Roman Catholic Signup and view all the answers