American Founding Documents and Concepts

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Limited Government

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Brought by English Colonists,

Government’s power is restricted by law, Individual rights of people are protected

Modern Day Example: Private Property- preventing the government from arbitrarily seizing property and promoting economic stability and individual autonomy

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Representative Government

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Elected officials represent, lead, and act on behalf of its citizens, Citizens vote for their representatives.

Modern Example:

Elections: Citizens vote to choose individuals to represent them in government

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Committees of Correspondence

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Developed out of opposition to British policies, Communication network among colonies.

Modern Examples:

Tea Party (2009) helped coordinate protests and rally opposition to federal policies like the Affordable Care Act across hundreds of local groups nationwide

Democrat National Committee: energize and mobilize supporters in key states outside of presidential elections.

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First Continental Congress

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Called in 1773-Met in Philadelphia

Response to Great Britain's Coercive Acts

Drafted a declaration of colonial rights

Embargo on Great Britain

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Embargo

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Ban on trade.

Modern example:

US embargo on Iran- (2018) the U.S. has re-imposed sanctions against Iran, restricting financial transactions and commerce, requiring approval for travel and activities within the country

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Boycott

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Stop buying.

Modern example: Target- initiated by certain groups, including some religious leaders, in response to Target's decision to scale back its DEI initiatives

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Second Continental Congress

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Prepared for war with Great Britain,

de facto national government during war

Managed the war effort

Organized Continental Army

Drafted “Declaration of Independence”

Established Articles of Confederation

Took steps to secure foreign aid

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Declaration of Independence

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Letter to King George III of Great Britain declaring colonial independence July 4, 1776, 13 colonies operated as independent and self-governing states.

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Articles of Confederation

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Weak central government, No court system, No executive (leader), Unicameral (1 house) Legislature, All states have 1 vote in Legislature (Congress).

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Weaknesses in Articles of Confederation

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States operated independently, Individual currency ($), Imposed tariffs on each other, Weak central government, Could not collect money from states, State courts interpreted laws.