British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws, meant to keep the American colonies obedient to England.

Economic theory that trade generates wealth and is stimulated by the accumulation of profitable balances, which a government should encourage by means of protectionism.

Rights inherent to all human beings, often including life, liberty, and property (as articulated by John Locke).

British response to the 'no taxation without representation' argument, claiming that Parliament represented all British subjects, including colonists.

A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units (states).

Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, granting Congress the power to pass all laws 'necessary and proper' for carrying out the enumerated powers.

A system in which the different parts of a government have powers that affect and control the other parts so that no part can become too powerful.

Interpreting the Constitution based on a literal and narrow definition of the language without reference to differences in conditions when the Constitution was written.

Interpreting the Constitution based on the belief that the document permitted everything that it did not expressly forbid.

Colonial boycotts of British goods in response to taxes like the Stamp Act, demonstrating colonial unity.

A plan proposed by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 for a unified government for the Thirteen Colonies. It was ultimately rejected by the colonies.

A controversial act passed in 1798 that limited free speech, particularly criticism of the government. It was associated with John Adams' presidency.

First direct tax on colonists, sparking widespread protests and the cry of 'no taxation without representation'.

A protest in 1773 against the Tea Act where colonists dumped tea into Boston Harbor.

A series of punitive laws passed by the British Parliament in 1774 after the Boston Tea Party. They were meant to punish the Massachusetts colonists for their defiance.

First battles of the Revolutionary War, signaling the start of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

A decisive American victory in 1777 that convinced France to openly support the American cause.

The Continental Army's winter encampment (1777-1778), marked by harsh conditions and significant loss of life, but also crucial training.

The final major battle of the Revolutionary War, leading to British surrender in 1781.

An uprising of farmers in Massachusetts (1786-1787) protesting economic hardship, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

A diplomatic incident between French and U.S. diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared naval war known as the Quasi-War. It increased tensions with France.

A tax rebellion in the United States beginning in 1791 during the presidency of George Washington. The so-called "whiskey tax" was the first tax imposed on a domestic product by the newly formed federal government.

A confrontation on March 5, 1770, in which British soldiers shot and killed several people while being harassed by a mob in Boston.

A period of social and political upheaval in late 1700s France, ultimately toppling the monarchy. It influenced American foreign policy debates.

Causes: Competition over Ohio Valley. Effects: British victory, increased debt, end of salutary neglect, increased tensions with colonies.

Causes: British need to raise revenue. Effects: Colonial protests, 'no taxation without representation' cry, boycotts, Stamp Act Congress.

Causes: Protest against the Tea Act. Effects: Intolerable Acts, increased colonial unity, move towards revolution.

Causes: Economic hardship among farmers. Effects: Highlighted the weakness of the Articles of Confederation, led to calls for a stronger national government.

Causes: French anger over Jay's Treaty. Effects: Quasi-War with France, increased anti-French sentiment in the US, Alien and Sedition Acts.

Causes: Fear of foreign influence and criticism of the government. Effects: Limited free speech, increased political divisions, backlash against the Federalist Party.

Causes: Taxation without representation, Enlightenment ideals, British policies. Effects: US independence, creation of a new republic, westward expansion.

Causes: Opposition to Hamilton's excise tax on whiskey. Effects: Demonstrated the power of the federal government under the Constitution, solidified Federalist authority.

Causes: Social and political inequality, Enlightenment ideals. Effects: Overthrow of the French monarchy, Reign of Terror, Napoleonic Wars, debates over US foreign policy.

Causes: British desire to prevent conflict with Native Americans after the French and Indian War. Effects: Angered colonists who wanted to settle west, increased tensions with Britain.

Causes: British need for revenue. Effects: Colonial boycotts, increased tensions, eventual repeal (except for the tea tax).

Causes: British attempt to help the East India Company. Effects: Boston Tea Party, Intolerable Acts.