American colonists opposed unfair taxation like the Stamp Act, formed the Continental Army, and declared independence in 1776. With French aid, they defeated Britain at Yorktown and gained independence through the 1783 Treaty of Paris.
Section 1
Colonists Challenge British Rule Through Revolution
American colonists opposed unfair taxation like the Stamp Act, formed the Continental Army, and declared independence in 1776. With French aid, they defeated Britain at Yorktown and gained independence through the 1783 Treaty of Paris.
Section 2
Declaration of Independence Establishes Founding Principles
Jefferson's Declaration affirmed that "all men are created equal" with rights to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It established popular sovereignty and justified overthrowing governments that fail to protect these natural rights.
Section 3
Constitution Creates Balanced Federal System
The Constitution established a federal system dividing power between national and state governments. It separated the federal government into three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—with checks and balances to prevent power abuse.
Section 4
Bill of Rights Protects Individual Freedoms
The first ten amendments guarantee essential liberties including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms. These protections reflect Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and limit government power.
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Section 1
Colonists Challenge British Rule Through Revolution
American colonists opposed unfair taxation like the Stamp Act, formed the Continental Army, and declared independence in 1776. With French aid, they defeated Britain at Yorktown and gained independence through the 1783 Treaty of Paris.
Section 2
Declaration of Independence Establishes Founding Principles
Jefferson's Declaration affirmed that "all men are created equal" with rights to "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It established popular sovereignty and justified overthrowing governments that fail to protect these natural rights.
Section 3
Constitution Creates Balanced Federal System
The Constitution established a federal system dividing power between national and state governments. It separated the federal government into three branches—executive, legislative, and judicial—with checks and balances to prevent power abuse.
Section 4
Bill of Rights Protects Individual Freedoms
The first ten amendments guarantee essential liberties including freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to bear arms. These protections reflect Enlightenment ideas about natural rights and limit government power.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter