governments created in each colony before the revolution to organize resistance against the British.

Militia military force made up of ordinary citizens.

to cancel an act or law.

legal document that allowed officers to search homes and warehouses for goods that might be smuggled.

using ships to prevent goods from leaving a harbor.

military force made up of ordinary citizens.

American colonists who were determined to gain independence from the British.

American colonists who stayed loyal to Great Britain.

the refusal to obey certain laws or governmental demands for the purpose of influencing legislation or government policy, characterized by the employment of such nonviolent techniques as boycotting, picketing and nonpayment of taxes.

rights that cannot or should not be taken away by a government because they are given by God; examples: "life, liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness",