English American Colonists to American Nation p. 67

Why the English American Colonies? England became very wealthy using its American colonies for almost 200 years. Upper class Americans were not allowed to make as much money as the English. Most colonists felt more “American” than “English”. Differences caused a revolution. The new American nation’s leaders used Enlightenment ideas in their “constitution”

England in North America England began its colonies in North America in 1607.   The relationship between the colonists and the crown was strong for almost 200 years.   The colonists provided raw materials and bought British goods, the British Crown provided them with protection, especially from Spain and France.   England’s American colonies,1770 (Google earth)

An independent feel….. England’s 13 American colonies were….5 mins. Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Georgia, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina

Growing Friction The Seven-Years War deepened these divisions. In the 1750s, American colonists began to move West against the will of England. French and Indian Wars (Seven-Years War—Europe and India) American colonists began a war with France and its Indian allies.   Britain had to send many troops or the Americans would lose everything. Britain It insisted they pay for the war in taxes. 

United Kingdom of Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland) George III:  British king who rose to power in 1760.   Worked to increase royal power.   Filled Parliament with loyalists and won much support.  His strict policies angered American-British colonists. He refused to listen to colonists’ opinions and complaints.

Spot check: What caused Britain to raise taxes on American colonists after 1764? French and Indian Wars

America Pays Britain’s Bills Stamp Act:  Tax on newspapers, pamphlets, contracts, etc.   One of several taxes imposed by George III and Parliament to get payment for the French and Indian (Seven-Years) War. Angered upper class Americans

American leaders rise George Washington: Colonial planter and general from Virginia colony.   He and others attended the First Continental Congress in 1774, to decide what to do about British unfairness. Wrote a petition to the king and Parliament with complaints and ideas.

Popular sovereignty: Locke’s idea and used by the Continental Congress. all government power comes from the will of the people.   The US Declaration of Independence When George III refused to listen to his people, Americans felt they had the right to rebel

Yorktown, VA:  British General Cornwallis surrendered his southern army to Washington, in 1781. Surrounded by Colonials and their new ally: French troops and a strong naval force,   Britain lost half of its military force and soon sued for peace.

Treaty of Paris: Britain and the US end the Revolutionary War in 1783, Britain recognizes the new “United States of America” as an independent country.

the Constitutional Convention,1787 James Madison:  kept notes at the meeting.   Considered the main writer of the Constitution (the main laws of the United States).   Benjamin Franklin:  Printer, scientist, diplomat.   Long-time rebel leader, was at all meetings of the Continental Congress and at the Constitutional Convention.

Spot check: What was the American rebel government called during the revolution? Continental Congress

Federal Republic: Various governments share power, local, (Los Angeles City, Los Angeles Country) state, (California) national (United States) the national government has supremacy in all matters.   Constitutional Convention made sure to include this relationship to protect “states’ rights”.  

End Hwk Notes Continue to text notes

Standards Check, p. 68 Question: Victory brought Britain more land and control of trade.

Map Skills, p. 68 2. Massachusetts 3. The coast was important to trade and travel

Spot check: King George III and who upset American leaders by not listening to complaints and ideas? Parliament

Standards Check, p. 69 Question: Colonial prosperity Colonial assemblies having control over local affairs Britain’s lack of enforcement of its laws.

p. 69, primary source In France and England from Enlightenment thinkers such as Locke and Rousseau.

Spot check: The supreme laws of the United States are called the what? Constitution

the Second Continental Congress, Philadelphia,1776, Thomas Jefferson:  composed EC “The Declaration of Independence”.   Borrowing John Locke’s ideas of a true, democratic government, Colonials stated they were fighting for natural rights (3) EC “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.   

Standards Check, p. 70 Question Individual freedom Government by the people Life, liberty, property

p. 70, George Washington Question He was a patient, courageous, and determined leader.

p. 70, James Madison Question They were well-read intellectuals who supported Enlightenment ideals.

p. 70, Benjamin Franklin Question His scientific reputation preceded his visit to France He represented freedom, which was an Enlightenment ideal.

Image, p. 71, Fearless Leader Question: Perseverance, strong leadership, and determination

Spot check Thomas Jefferson used who’s enlightenment ideas in the Declaration of Independence? John Locke

Spot check The American term for “separation of powers” is ….. “checks and balances”

p. 72, Thinking Critically 1. The right to freedom of speech, religion, and property ownership 2. For every branch of government, another branch has the power to veto or regulate Ex. The president has the power to veto legislation The courts may declare congressional acts unconstitutional Congress has the ability to override presidential vetoes.

Standards Check, p. 72 Question Familiarity with the terrain, strong leadership, and determination to achieve their goals.

Use p. 72, Graphic Checks and Balances How can the president stop Congressional legislation he/she does not approve of? Veto How can the Congress (the House of Representatives) stop an abusive/law breaking president? Impeachment How can the president and Congress control the courts? President appoints judges Congress approves/rejects judges; may impeach judges How can the federal courts check the acts and laws of the president and Congress? May declare their acts “unconstitutional”

Standards Check, p. 73 Question Separation of powers, checks and balances, individual freedom, government by the people

Bill of Rights, p. 73 Question: All enumerate powers reserved for the people and the states Limits the power of the federal government

p. 75, Thinking Critically 1. It uses 2. dramatic and inflammatory language such as “expiring” and “hopes of a resurrection to life again” Large lettering in the headline Includes a skull and crossbones in the lower right corner. 2. Newspapers today influence public opinion with many of the same tools—images, cartoons, and articles.

A Living Constitution Use pp. 84-96. “cite a key expression (quote)” I. Explain why people consider Article V to make the constitution a “living” document: It allows amendments Changing the constitution as needed in the future.   II. How does Article IV protect you anywhere in the United States? Full Faith and Credit clause protects your legal status—marriage, property ownership, contracts, driver’s license, etc.—no matter where you are. III. How does Article I, Section 8, #18 also allow for change in government powers? Congress may make laws that are “necessary and proper” to carrying out its specified powers.