He established and managed Maryland as its first proprietor. Maryland became a haven for Catholics who were being persecuted in England. He helped promote religious toleration to all Christians in Maryland by passing the Maryland Toleration Act.

A Christian “separatist” group that fled England to come and practice Christianity free from religious persecution. This would become a theme in American History. They would land in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620.

Members of the Church of England that settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They sought to reform or “purify” the practices of the Church of England. Their hard work ethic led to rapid growth and success in New England.

A religious group that fled to North America for a more tolerant society. They were persecuted by all colonies except for Roger Williams’ Rhode Island and Pennsylvania which was established by Penn. Although continually persecuted, they were themselves very religiously tolerant.

An early proponent of religious freedom, he was banished from Massachusetts colony because of religious disagreements. He founded the Colony of Rhode Island to insure religious freedom.

Founder of the state of Connecticut after disagreements over voting rights, he was an early proponent of separation of church and state. He is considered the “Father of American Democracy.” Connecticut adopted the Fundamental Orders of Connecticut sometimes called the “First written Constitution” and was the inspiration for our own constitution.

Established Pennsylvania as a refuge for Quakers. He was an early advocate for democracy and religious freedom. He is notable for his good relations and successful treaties with Indians.

The year Jamestown was founded in Virginia.

They year Plymouth was founded in Massachusetts and the Mayflower Compact was signed.

A spiritual revival that swept through the colonies leaving a permanent mark on American Protestantism and culture. Christianity spread to everyone regardless of gender, race and status. It encouraged ideas of equality and the right to challenge authority. In a way, it helped pave the way to the American Revolution.

Drawn up in 1689, this was an agreement where the English monarchs agreed to respect the rights of English citizens and of Parliament. The King and Queen cannot cancel laws or tax without Parliament agreeing. Free elections and frequent Parliament meetings must be held.

Sited by many as the world's first written democratic constitution that expanded the idea of a representative government.

The "Great Charter." This ancient document was drawn up in 1215 and guaranteed protection against unjust treatment or punishment. Nobles could not have their property seized by the king, nor could they be taxed unless a council agreed. They could only be tried by their peers. Even the King was bound by law and couldn't do whatever he wanted anymore.

Signed by the pilgrims upon arriving at Plymouth, this called for laws for the good of the colony and set forth the idea of self-government. This would be a large influence on the U.S system of government.

The colony founded by Thomas Hooker and his congregation. They put together the first Constitution, the Fundamental Orders.

The colony founded by James Oglethorpe that served as a haven for English debtors and was a buffer state for Spanish Florida.

Located in Virginia and founded in 1607 by a joint-stock company for economic purposes, this was the first permanent English settlement in America. [8.2A] [8.10A] [8.12A]

The colony founded by Cecilius Calvert, The Lord Baltimore that served as a safe haven for English Catholics. Later it would pass the Maryland Act of Toleration accepting all Christian faiths.

Founded by the Puritans during the Great Migration in the 1630's and 1640's who were seeking religious freedom. The colony eventually absorbed Plymouth in 1691.

The Colonial Region that included New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. It was founded for religious and economic reasons by a diverse group including Swedes, Dutch, German, English and Africans. It had longer growing seasons and more fertile soil. It is considered the “Breadbasket Colonies” because of the amount of grain produced there.

The Colonial Region that included Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. It included religious groups like the Pilgrims and Puritans who had migrated from England. It had a cold climate and a short growing season. There is rocky soil, many trees and rivers. Economic activities included whaling and shipbuilding.

The colony that was originally founded by the Dutch as New Netherlands. This prosperous and diverse colony would fall into the British hands in 1668.

The colony founded by William Penn as a safe haven for Quakers. The Quakers were very religiously tolerant.

Founded by the Pilgrims for religious reasons in 1620, it has since passed into American mythology.

The colony founded by Roger William after he was banished from Massachusetts Bay Colony. He would not make religion compulsorily which lay the foundation for religious freedom. [8.2B] [8.10A]

The Colonial Region that included Maryland, Virginia, The Carolinas, and Georgia. It was founded for some religious but mainly economic purposes. The population consisted of English and enslaved Africans. The nearly year-round growing season and extremely fertile soil made large plantations with many slaves possible. Cash Crops produced included cotton and tobacco.

The colony that was founded by the Virginia Company in 1607 in order to turn a profit. Jamestown, the first permanent English settlement is located in this colony.

This became First representative assembly in North America. Dissatisfied with the strict rule of the governor, colonist called for a local elected representatives would meet once a year in an assembly.

Establishing control over foreign lands. Europeans reasons for establishing empires were threefold: 1) Economic: to acquire wealth through trade, 2) Social: to convert the natives to Christianity or escape religious persecution, and 3) Political: to become powerful via an overseas empire.

In this system, the British government puts very strict controls on the colonial economy. Colonies are prevented by law from producing manufactured goods. Colonies can only buy and trade with Britain. It establishes a favorable balance of trade, (Exports > Imports) for Britain at the expense of the colonies. This is the system that colonial America was under.

The Economic system that developed in the South due to the long growing seasons, favorable climate and rich soil. Slaves were used to produce cash crops like tobacco and cotton very cheaply.

This is the reason that many groups came to America. People like Anne Hutchinson and Roger Williams were key in establishing this idea for our later government.

Colonist would be voiced by local elected representatives rather than a governor in England who represented the interest of a company. This idea would become key in the development of American Government.

The hand-off policy of England toward its American colonies during the first half of the 1700's. During this time America developed its own identity and representative government.

A system of human ownership based on racial lines that replaced the system of indentured servitude. People became properties of another to be sold and purchased. The first African slaves arrived in Jamestown to work tobacco plantations 12 years after it was established.

Part of the infamous “Middle Passage” in the “Triangular Trade” that involved bringing enslaved Africans to work on Southern plantations to grow cash crops like tobacco. The demand for Cash Crops led to this trade.

She had a close relationship with her husband John and the two wrote regularly about the political issues of the day. She famously argued for women's rights saying, that women would start a rebellion if they didn't have a voice.

Scientist turned statesman. He came up with the Albany Plan of Union which proposed a united colonial government against the French. Although it failed to unite the colonies, it became a rallying cry for the Patriots.

A free African-American sailor from Boston, he was killed by a British bullet during the Boston Massacre. He would become an early hero for America’s struggle for freedom

He was unanimously chosen to command the Continental Army against the British. His popularity helped him unite the American colonies. His army’s survival ensured that the Patriot’s cause could continue.

A slave and spy who collected intelligence from the British Camp for Lafayette while feeding the British false information. His information helped pin down Cornwallis at Yorktown.

A Boston lawyer who was criticized for defending the soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. He explained that law should be “deaf…to the clamors of the populace.” He was a Patriot but believed in justice. Later he helped draft the Declaration with Jefferson and Franklin. He and his wife Abigail wrote to each other frequently.

An English philosopher who argued that men have natural rights. These rights are life, liberty and property. People create governments to protect these natural rights. If the government fails in this duty, it is the right of the people to overthrow it. Jefferson borrowed these ideas for the Declaration of Independence.

Wealthy Boston merchant and Patriot. He was the president of the Second Continental Congress which declared Independence. He signed the Declaration of Independence

Father of the United States Navy. Bold and daring, this officer scored many victories against the British on the sea. But his battle with the Serapis is what made him famous. When his own ship was rammed and the British officer demanded his surrender he replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!”

The British Monarch during the Revolutionary War. The American colonists hated him and saw him as a tyrant, or one who abuses their power. He told Parliament that the New England Colonies were "in a state of rebellion" and that "blows must decide" who would control America

A young Frenchman who served as Washington's trusted aide. He was instrumental in convincing the French King to send troops to help defeat the British at Yorktown

Leader of the Daughters of Liberty, she strongly supported the Patriot cause. She wrote pamphlets, poems and plays ridiculing British officials. She helped start the Committee of Correspondence with Samuel Adams

Memeber of the House of Burgesses who called for resistance to the Stamp Act. When someone responded that what he said was treason, responded. “If this be treason, let’s make the most of it!” Later he would encourage others to fight the British with his “Give me Liberty or give me Death” speech.

A leader of the Sons of Liberty, he encouraged colonist to boycott British goods after the Townshend Acts. He started the Committee of Correspondence with Mercy Otis Warren so all the colonies could know what’s going on. He continued to urge colonist to resist British control.

This man was selected to compose the Declaration for two reasons. He was an excellent writer and he was from Virginia. Virginia had the largest population and members knew that no independence could succeed without their support.

He wrote “Common Sense” to convince Americans to break away from Britain completely. Common Sense made a strong argument for freedom. During the War he wrote a series of pamphlets entitled “American Crisis” to boost the low spirits of the army after the fall of New York.

An African American Patriot. Like, Paul Revere, he warned citizens of an imminent British invasion. He fought heroically at Saratoga. He was considered to be the first African American elected to public office in the history of the United States.

The year the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4th in Philadelphia

War between the United States and Britain. American independence was achieved and European powers recognized the independence of the United States after the surrender of the British

The first battles of the Revolutionary War. They were called the “shots heard round the world.” The Revolution would affect the whole world.

The turning point in the Revolution. It caused European nations to think that America might win their war for independence. Several of those nations, especially France, saw it as an opportunity to get back at their old rival.

Although some fighting continued, this was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War. British leaders were forced to negotiate a peace treaty

An incident in Boston which involved a violent colonial mob clashing with British soldiers. Five colonists were killed, including Crispus Attucks. Colonial leaders used the killings as propaganda against the British

An act of civil disobedience to the Tea Act in which colonist dressed up like Native Americans and dumped British tea into Boston Harbor. This caused Parliament to pass the Intolerable Acts

One part of a World Struggle between the British and French Empires. This would decide who would control North America. The French were defeated but the British were left with a large war debt, who better to pay this debt than the colonist.

A series of pamphlets by Thomas Paine written to encourage the Americans to continue fighting even though the severe crises of the Revolutionary War including the defeat at New York. Washington found the first essay so inspiring, he ordered that it be read to the troops at Valley Forge.

Published by Thomas Paine, this pamphlet called for a complete break with British rule. It listed powerful reasons why Americans would be better off free from Britain. It greatly influenced the opinion of the colonists.

The document declaring that America is now independent from British rule. It was drafted in 1776 by Thomas Jefferson. The core idea of the Declaration is based on the philosophy of John Locke. It contains a list of grievances, or complaints against the British government.

The British reaction to the Boston Tea Party which helped fan the flames of rebellion. One of the Acts closed the port of Boston until the tea was paid for, others allowed troops to stay in people’s houses. Another of the laws allowed troops accused of a crime to be tried in Britain rather than America.

A law following the French and Indian War that forbade colonists to settle west of the Appalachian mountains. After many Indian uprisings, the British realized that defending the western frontier would be too costly so this was their solution. This angered colonist who thought it was their right to settle the land they had just fought for.

A law that required all documents to carry an official stamp showing the tax had been paid. This enraged the colonists who had no say in the government. “No taxation without representation” became the rallying cry.

The treaty that ended the Revolutionary War. The conditions were: 1) America was independent. 2) Each side repaid debts owed. 3) The British would release captives. 4) States had to return seized property to loyalists. Neither side really honored these terms.

Important New England Harbor and Patriot city. It was the site of many events leading to the Revolution including Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party. The Intolerable Acts directly affected Bostonian merchants. The first major battle, the Battle of Bunker Hill took place just to the north.

England’s chief lawmaking body, this was the colonist’s model for representative governments. Many colonist were mad because they had no representation for the laws that were passed here.

Site of the First and Second Continental Congress as well as the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. This was founded by William Penn in 1682.

This is where Washington was forced to camp for the winter of 1777-78. It was one of the biggest struggles for the Continental Army. Short on supplies and food, many of Washington’s men deserted. Those that didn’t faced freezing temperatures. Many died of disease and exposure. This came to stand for the great hardship that Americans endured in the Revolutionary War.

Refusing to buy items in order to force acceptance of one's terms. A common form of resistance practice by the colonists after the passing of the Stamp and Townshend Act.

The use of nonviolent protest to challenge a government or its laws. The Boston Tea Party was an example of this.

List of tyrannical acts of the King on the Declaration of Independence.

In this system, the British government puts very strict controls on the colonial economy. Colonies are prevented by law from producing manufactured goods. Colonies can only buy and trade with Britain. It establishes a favorable balance of trade, (Exports > Imports) for Britain at the expense of the colonies. This enraged the colonists and was one of the causes of the Revolution.

Rights given to man by God and cannot be taken away. John Locke came up with the concept of Life, Liberty and Property. Thomas Jefferson borrowed his idea but changed it to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

A large proponent of a strong national government, he was a strong Federalists who supported the Constitution. He along with Madison and John Jay wrote the Federalists Papers.

People who opposed the Constitution. They favored local government that was controlled more closely by the people. George Mason and Patrick Henry were among their number.

A French writer who declared that the powers of government should be separated and balanced against each other. This separation would prevent any one person or group from gaining too much power. The framers of the Constitution carefully spelled out and divided the powers of the government.

A person who owes loyalty to a nation and is entitled to its protection. For the most part, anyone born in the U.S. is automatically a citizen. Someone born outside the U.S. can become a citizen through naturalization.

The president and his cabinet. You must be 35 years old. A president serves a 4-year term before running for reelection. Per the 22nd Amendment, you can only serve two terms. They enforce or carry out the laws.

People who supported the new Constitution like Madison and Hamilton. They took this name to stress that the Constitution would create a system of federalism, a government in which power is divided between the national government and the states.

He was an Anti-Federalists who proposed a bill of rights to the Constitution. At first the delegates rejected the idea. He refused to sign the Constitution unless a bill of rights was included.

He was elected president of the Constitutional Convention. Having him there helped the public support the convention.

He was a keen supporter of a strong national government. He read many books in preparation for the convention and kept many records of the convention's work. Because he is the author of the basic plan of government, he is known as the "Father of the Constitution."

The Supreme Court and lower courts. There are nine justices who are appointed by the president. They serve for life. They interpret the laws.

An English philosopher who claimed that all people have natural rights including life, liberty and property. He said government is based on an agreement between people and their government.

The House of Representatives and the Senate. You must be 25 to be a House member and 30 for the Senate. House members serve for 2 years and the Senate for 6 years before their position is up for reelection. They make the laws.

An avid anti-federalists from Virginia. He feared the Constitution did not place enough limits on government power. He boycotted the convention saying, “I smell a rat.” (Something’s not quite right…)

The year that the Constitution was ratified in Philadelphia.

A meeting of 55 delegates in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation. However, it became increasingly clear that a new constitution was needed.

Unable to pay their taxes and debts, many farmers rose up and challenged the new government. They were defeated by the militia but concern grew that the current government could not handle unrest. It was clear to many, the Articles needed revision.

This amendment includes freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition.

The amendment that includes the right to bear arms.

The amendment that prohibits the quartering of soldiers.

This amendment prohibits unreasonable searches or seizures, must have a warrant with probable cause.

This amendment includes the right to remain silent, no double jeopardy, due process by law, and you can’t have property seized without just compensation.

This amendment includes the right to a speedy trial in criminal cases, you must be tried where the crime was committed, right to counsel.

This amendment includes the right to a trial by jury in civil cases where the cost exceeds $20.

This amendment includes the prohibition of excessive bail and cruel or unusual punishment.

This amendment was James Madison’s attempt to ensure that the Bill of Rights was not seen as granting to the people of the United States only the specific rights it addressed.

This amendment states that the powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved to the states.

A change in the Constitution. This can be proposed in two ways: 2/3 of both the House and Senate or at a convention called by 2/3 of the states. This can be ratified in two ways: 3/4 of the state legislatures or by 3/4 of the convention in the states. The framers included this processes so the Constitution could adapt with the growing nation.

The first constitution of the United States drawn up soon after declaring independence. It had a weak central government which could declare war and negotiate treaties but they could not collect taxes or regulate trade. Its weakness would cause issues in the young country.

At the convention, many delegates feared that without this the new national government might abuse its power. Initially its inclusion was rejected with delegates saying that the Constitution defined government powers and provided enough protection of Individual rights.

According to this the Northern states agreed to not interfere with the slave trade for 20 years (till 1808) and runaway slaves must be returned to the South. Imported slaves would also be taxed but there would be no tax on exports like tobacco.

The New Government of the U.S. Ratified on September 17, 1787. Shays' Rebellion, trade issues, lack of strength in government all contributed to the scraping of the Articles and the creation of a new constitution. It contains seven principles and later the Bill of Rights.

This document contained a series of grievances that are later addressed in the Constitution and the Bill or Rights.

Written in 1689, this set up clear limits on a ruler’s powers. They stated that the ruler could not suspend Parliament’s laws, impose taxes or raise an army without Parliament’s consent. This influenced such Constitutional rights such as a trial by jury and the idea that only congress can impose taxes.

Written in 1215, this “Great Charter” gave English people protection against unjust treatment or punishment. The framers borrowed this idea and established freedom from “cruel and unusual” punishment in the Constitution.

Written by Hamilton and Madison to win support for the Constitution. They reminded Americans of the flaws in the Articles of Confederation. They claimed that the United States would not survive without a strong national government.

Proposed by Roger Sherman, this would settle the issues between the large and small states. There would be two houses, the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Senate would be based on equality while the House would be based on population.

It created the Northwest Territory and provided property rights for settlers. It provided the model for the orderly expansion of new states. It guaranteed many rights to the citizens but there would be no slavery there.

The North and the South agreed to count every 5 slaves as 3 free persons for both representation and taxation.

Lands set up by the Northwest Ordinance from the lands North of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River.

The location of the Constitutional Convention during the hot summer of 1787.

The principle where each branch of government has ways to check, or limit, the power of the other branches. No single branch can gain too much power in the government. Montesquieu came up with this idea.

The principle that separates the government into three different branches, legislative, executive and judicial. Each branch has different, and limited powers, duties and responsibilities. Legislative makes laws, Executive enforces laws, and the Judicial interprets the laws.

The Principle that divided the national government between the state and federal government. Some powers are carried out by the federal government (enumerated), some at the state levels (reserved), and still others are shared (concurrent).

The principle in which the powers of the government are strictly defined. The government has only those powers that are given to it by the people. Everyone, including the president, has to follow the law. [

The responsibilities of a countries citizens including obeying laws, paying taxes, sitting on juries, registering for the draft and voting. Other responsibilities are more personal including supporting your family, getting an education and being informed about public issues.

Fair treatment through the normal judicial system, especially as a citizen's entitlement. The government must follow established procedures when taking action against a citizen.

Tyrannical acts of the king that were addressed in the Bill of Rights. Whereas the king had absolute power, congress can override presidential veto. Quartering of soldiers brought about the 3rd Amendment, no quartering. The British were allowed to search homes without warrants but the 4th Amendment prevents this.

The process of becoming an American citizen for those who were born outside of the U.S. The process includes being 18, having a basic knowledge of U.S. history and swearing allegiance to the U.S.

The principle that recognizes people's fundamental rights and basic liberties promised in the Bill of Rights such as freedom of speech and press.

People rule. The principle that the power of the government lies with the people. "the right of the people to rule."

Approval of the Constitution. The Constitution would go into effect with the approval of 9 of 13 states.

The principle that includes the idea that the power is held by the people and their elected representatives. Citizens have the power to choose their representatives.