1. September 16, 2015

2.  The French and Indian War caused Britain to gain a lot more land in North America but also for them to gain a lot of debt.  Britain began to impose for restrictions on colonial settlement to avoid further wars and taxes to help pay down the debt caused by war.  The Proclamation of 1763 prevented colonists from moving west of the Appalachian Mountains. – 1 st strike for the colonists and they began to resent British rule for restricting their settlements.  The colonists objected to paying taxes because they didn’t have a representative in Parliament. “No Taxation without Representation”

3.  Boston Massacre – propaganda used to unite colonists. 2 nd strike against British rule.  The Boston Tea Party – the colonists protested British taxes, especially the tax on tea. Led by Sam Adams and the Sons of Liberty.  Britain punished the colonists for the Boston Tea Party with the Coercive or Intolerable Acts.  Colonists united politically and formed the Continental Congress to discuss what to do about Britain

4.  John Locke’s ideas about government especially regarding Natural Rights – right to life, liberty, and property.  The Declaration of Independence states that citizens are treated equal, and have right to life and property.  The Revolutionary War was successful for the US in part to its alliance with France, the aid France provided and aid from other nations.  Review the battles of the American Revolution

5.  The first constitution, the Articles of Confederation gave very little power to the federal government and required 9 states approval before government policies or changes could be made.  The Northwest Ordinance was a orderly process for creating territories out of the western lands.  Federalists supported the new Constitution and giving more power to the federal government. The Antifederalists were skeptical of the new Constitution.  Alexander Hamilton wrote the Federalist Papers which persuaded more colonists ratify or support the new Constitution.  Review the Declaration of Independence

6.  The US Constitution has survived the test of time due to its amendment process. It is a living document.  Review the jobs of the three branches of government.  The Connecticut Compromise settled the issue of creating a bicameral legislature.  The Three Fifths Compromise allowed for slaves to be counted as 3/5 of a person when counting its population to determine number of representation.  Review the Constitution