American Revolution Vocabulary

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Revolt

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To rise up and resist authority or rules. Example: Colonists revolted against British taxes.

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Revolution

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A complete (qualitative) and major change in government, society, or ideas. Example: The American Revolution created a new nation.

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Federalism

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A system where power is divided between a national and state governments. Example: Both North Carolina and the U.S. Congress make laws.

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Enlightenment

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A movement that promoted reason, science, and individual rights. Example: John Locke’s ideas influenced the Declaration of Independence.

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Democracy

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Government where people rule through elected representatives. Example: Citizens voting in U.S. elections.

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Boycott

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To refuse to buy or use goods as a form of protest. Example: Colonists boycotted British tea.

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Taxation Without Representation

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Being taxed without having a voice in government. Example: Colonists protested because they had no representatives in Parliament.

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Monarchy

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A government ruled by a king or queen. Example: Britain under King George III.

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Parliament

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Britain’s lawmaking body. Example: Parliament passed the Stamp Act in 1765.

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Patriot

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Colonist who supported independence from Britain. Example: Samuel Adams and the Sons of Liberty were Patriots.