Question

1st quarter common assessment study guide
complete the study guide for up to 10 extra credit points on friday’s midterm!! due friday 10/10 at the start of class.

1. enlightenment influences:

how did enlightenment thinkers such as john locke influence american ideas about government and individual rights?

1. colonial resistance:

in what ways did the stamp act of 1765 challenge traditional relationships between the colonies and britain?

1. declaration of independence (1776):

how does the declaration reflect enlightenment principles about natural rights and the role of government?

1. articles of confederation (1781):

what weaknesses in the articles of confederation made governing difficult for the new united states?

1. shays’ rebellion (1786–1787):

how did shays’ rebellion reveal the need for a stronger national government?

1. u.s. constitution and ratification (1787–1788):

how did debates between federalists and anti - federalists shape the final form of the u.s. constitution?

Explanation:

1. John Locke's ideas of natural rights (life, liberty, and property) influenced American concepts. His social - contract theory, where the government's power comes from the consent of the governed, was crucial in shaping American ideas about government and individual rights.
2. The Stamp Act of 1765 challenged traditional relationships as it was a direct tax imposed by Britain on the colonies without colonial representation in Parliament. This violated the long - held principle of "no taxation without representation" and led to increased colonial resistance.
3. The Declaration of Independence reflects Enlightenment principles by stating that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also asserts that government's purpose is to protect these rights and that if it fails, the people have the right to alter or abolish it.
4. The Articles of Confederation had weaknesses such as a lack of a strong central government with no power to tax, regulate commerce effectively, or enforce laws. This made it difficult to govern the new United States as states often acted independently.
5. Shays' Rebellion, a farmers' uprising due to economic hardships and debt, revealed the inability of the weak central government under the Articles of Confederation to maintain order. It showed the need for a stronger national government to handle internal unrest and secure the nation.
6. Debates between Federalists and Anti - Federalists shaped the U.S. Constitution. Federalists wanted a strong central government, while Anti - Federalists were concerned about protecting states' rights and individual liberties. This led to compromises like the addition of the Bill of Rights to safeguard individual freedoms.

Answer:

1. John Locke's ideas of natural rights and social - contract theory influenced American concepts of government and individual rights.
2. The Stamp Act was a direct tax without colonial representation, violating "no taxation without representation" and increasing resistance.
3. It reflects Enlightenment principles through its statements on natural rights and the role of government to protect them.
4. Weaknesses included lack of power to tax, regulate commerce, and enforce laws, making governance difficult.
5. It revealed the inability of the weak central government to maintain order, showing the need for a stronger national government.
6. Debates led to compromises, such as the addition of the Bill of Rights, shaping the final form of the Constitution.