THE COMING OF INDEPENDENCEU.S. Government Chapter 2 – Section 2

Political Dictionary

Confederation

Albany Plan of Union

Delegate

Boycott

Repeal

Popular sovereignty

Objectives/Standards

Section Objectives: Explain how Britian’s colonial policies contributed to

the growth of self-government in the colonies. Identify some of the steps that led to growing feelings

of colonial unity. Compare the outcomes of the First and Second

Continental Congresses Analyze the ideas in the Declaration of Independence Describe the drafting of the first state constitutions

and summarize the constitution’s common features.

4.3 Understand the basic features of major forms of government in the world.

Second Continental Congress Philadelphia, PA

Independence HallPhiladelphia, PA

Independence HallPhiladelphia, PA

Britain’s Colonial Policies Colonists became used to a large amount

of self-government.

Each legislature began broad lawmaking powers.

People would not vote for the money the governor wanted until he did what they wanted.

Government in London was responsible for colonial defense and for foreign affairs.

Britain’s Colonial Policies London also provided a money system and

common market.

Little was taken from the colonies for taxes.

After George III came to the throne, Britain became to deal more directly with the colonies.

Restrictive trading acts were enforced.

New taxes.

King George III

Early Attempts

Mass., Plymouth, New Haven, and Connecticut formed the New England Confederation. NEC was a “league of friendship” Defense against Native Americans

Confederation- joining of several groups for a common purpose.

League finally dissolved in 1684.

The Albany Plan Meeting in Albany: Connecticut, Maryland,

Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island.

Main purpose: discuss the problems of colonial trade and the danger of attacks by the French and their Native Am allies.

Albany Plan of the Union- Ben Franklin proposed the formation of an annual congress of delegates (representatives) from each of 13 colonies for trade, military, and other purposes.

The Albany Plan

This body would have the power to raise military and naval forces, make war and peace with the Native Am, regulate trade with them, tax, and collect customs duties.

This plan was turned down by the colonies and the Crown.

Stamp Act Congress

Required the use of tax stamps on all legal documents, on certain business agreements, and on newspapers.

9 colonies sent delegates to the Stamp Act Congress in NY.

This was the first time that a significant number of colonies had joined to oppose the British government.

Stamp Act Congress

Parliament repealed the Stamp Act.

New laws were passed to tie the colonies closer to London. Mob violence erupted.

Colonists supported a boycott- refusal to buy or sell certain products or services.

British troops killed 5 people. Known as the Boston Massacre.

Stamp Act Congress

Protests multiplied

Group of men disguised as Native Am. Boarded Tea ships in Boston harbor and dumped the cargo into the sea to protest British control of sea trade.

BTP Video

Question 1

In your own words, describe what “taxation without representation” means.

First Continental Congress

Intolerable Acts- members discussed the worsening situation and plans for action. Passed to punish the colonists for their troubles in Boston. (Tea

Party, Decl. of Rights & Grievances)

They sent a Declaration of Rights to King George III protesting Britain’s colonial policies.

They urged each of the colonies to refuse all trade with England until the taxes were repealed (withdrawn).

Also important: here a date was set for the next convention to be held the following year.

First Continental Congress

Letter from John Adams to his wife, Abigail.

Phyladelphia Octr. 9, 1774“I am wearied to Death with the Life I lead. The Business of the Congress is tedious, beyond Expression. This Assembly is like no other that ever existed. Every Man in it is a great Man-an orator, a Critick, a statesman, and therefore every Man upon every Question must shew it his oratory, his Criticism and his Political Abilities.

The Consequence of this is, that Business is drawn and spun out to an immeasurable Length. I believe if it was moved and seconded that We should come to a Resolution that Three and two make five We should be entertained with Logick and Rhetorick, Law, History, Politicks and Mathematicks, concerning the Subject for two whole Days, and then We should pass the Resolution unanimously in the Affirmative”

Question 2

Describe at least four events that led to the calling for the First Continental Congress.

Second Continental Congress

Became the nation’s first national gov’t No constitutional base for its existence The S.C.C. acted like a sovereign foreign

government

Each of the 13 colonies sent delegates to the S.C.C. Most of those who attended the First C.C. were

there

By the time the S.C.C. met, the American Revolution had already begun Shot hear ‘round the world – Lexington and

Concord

First National Government Second Cont. Congress became the

nation’s first national government

Notable newcomers were Ben Franklin, John Hancock

Hancock was president of the S.C.C.

Continental army created at S.C.C Washington appointed to be its first

commander-in-chief.

Declaration of Independence

Congress named a committee to prepare of proclamation of independence.

Largely the work of Thomas Jefferson

Proclaimed the existence of a new nation.

Colonies became free and independent states.

First State Constitution

Most states adopted written constitutions.

Constitution- a body of fundamental laws setting out the principles, structures, and processes of their govts. Massachusetts constitution is the oldest of the

present day.

Popular Sovereignty- government can exist only with the consent of the governed.

Only adult, white males could vote.

First State Constitution

Common Features: Popular sovereignty, Limited Government, Civil Rights and Liberties, Separation of Powers/Checks and Balances.

Other common features: Frequent elections, Bicameral legislatures, Weak executives (Governors), Bill of Rights, Constitutions were easy to amend.

Question 3

Compare the goals of the First and Second Continental Congresses.

Question 4

Which of the following was a part of the ”League of Friendship”?

A. London B. Tennessee C. New York

Question 5

Which of the following was to discuss the problems of colonial trade and the danger of attacks by the French and their Native Am allies:

A. Albany Plan B. Stamp Act Congress C. Petition of Rights

Question 6

Refusal to buy or sell certain products or services.

A. Representative Government B. Boycott C. Stamp Act Congress

Question 7

This became the nation’s first national government.

A. First Continental Congress B. Delegates C. Second Continental Congress

Question 8

The Declaration of Independence was largely a work of whom?

A. Ben Franklin B. George Washington C. Thomas Jefferson