Beginning of American Democracy

Before becoming a country, the United States was a group of colonies under English rule, facing trade control and taxes. Discontent grew due to lack of representation and movement restrictions. The Intolerable Acts led to the First Continental Congress, which sought colonial rights. Patrick Henry's speech and the battles of Lexington and Concord marked the start of the Revolutionary War. The Second Continental Congress pushed for independence, leading to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The war ended in 1783, and American democracy evolved into its current form.

What was one of the main reasons for the growing unrest among the American colonists in the mid-1700s?

• The colonists were against the English language.

• The colonists wanted to move to Canada.

• The colonists were unhappy with the taxes imposed by England.

• The colonists wanted to trade with France.

What was the purpose of the First Continental Congress in 1774?

• To establish a new colonial government.

• To write a petition outlining colonial rights and grievances.

• To negotiate trade agreements with France.

• To declare war on England.

Which event marked the official start of the Revolutionary War?

• The publication of 'Common Sense'.

• The battles of Lexington and Concord.

• The Boston Tea Party.

• The signing of the Declaration of Independence.

What was the significance of Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense'?

• It encouraged independence from England.

• It supported the British monarchy.

• It advocated for peace with England.

• It proposed a new tax system.

On what date did the colonies officially declare their independence from Great Britain?

• January 1, 1776

• September 5, 1774

• April 19, 1775

• July 4, 1776

What is one of the key philosophies included in the Declaration of Independence?

• Taxes should be used to fund foreign wars.

• The king should appoint governors.

• Citizens have unalienable rights that cannot be taken away.

• The government should have absolute power.

When did the Revolutionary War officially end, marking the beginning of American independence?

• 1781

• 1776

• 1790

• 1783