Brief Responsep. 66, Thinking Critically

• 1.– Composers of opera must work not just with

the orchestra, but with the plot line and words, as well as showcasing the singers’ voices.

– Most symphonies feature only the orchestra.

• 2.– It was appealing because it was a new form

that composers and musicians could use to combine theater and music.

English American Colonists to American Nation

p. 67

Why the English American Colonies?

• Wealthy “American” colonists protested unfair taxes and treatment by their king, George III, of Britain.– Many had read Enlightened books, especially John

Locke’s

• Most “Americans” no longer felt like British subjects, but as citizens of an “American” nation.

• They made a revolution for change.• They used Enlightenment ideas in their new

national laws (the Constitution)

United Kingdom of Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland)• George III: 

– British king who rose to power in 1760.  – Worked to increase royal power.  

• Filled Parliament with loyalists and won much support. 

• His strict policies angered American-British colonists.

America Pays Britain’s Bills

• Stamp Act:  – Tax on newspapers, pamphlets, contracts,

etc.  

• One of several taxes imposed by George III and Parliament to get payment for the French and Indian (Seven-Years) War.

American leaders rise

• George Washington:  – Colonial planter and general from Virginia

colony.  – He and others attended the First Continental

Congress in 1774, EC (Where and why did they meet? 3)

• in Philadelphia, • to decide what to do about British unfairness. • Wrote a petition to the king and Parliament with

complaints and ideas.

Popular sovereignty: C

• Locke’s idea and used by the Continental Congress.– all government power comes from the will of

the people.  – The US Declaration of Independence

• When George III refused to listen to his people, Americans felt they had the right to rebel

Yorktown, VA: 

• British General Cornwallis surrendered his southern army to Washington, in 1781.– Surrounded by Colonials and their

surprise ally: EC• French troops and a strong naval force,  

• Britain lost half of its military force and soon sues for peace.

Treaty of Paris: 

• Britain and the US end the Revolutionary War in 1783, – Britain recognizes the new “United

States of America” as an independent country.

the Constitutional Convention,1787

• James Madison:  – kept notes at the meeting.  – Considered the main writer of the Constitution (the

main laws of the United States).

 • Benjamin Franklin: 

– Printer, scientist, diplomat.  – Long-time rebel leader, was at all meetings of the

Continental Congress and at the Constitutional Convention.

US Constitution—Federal Republic: C

• a government where the national and local governments share power, – local, – state, – national

• the national government has supremacy in all matters.  

• Continental Congress made sure to include this relationship to protect “states’ rights”.  

Standards Check, p. 68

• Question:

• Victory brought Britain more land and control of trade.

Map Skills, p. 68

2.

Massachusetts

3.

The coast was important to trade and travel

Standards Check, p. 69

• Question:

• Colonial prosperity

• Colonial assemblies having control over local affairs

• Britain’s lack of enforcement of its laws.

p. 69, primary source

• In France and England from Enlightenment thinkers such as Locke and Rousseau.

Standards Check, p. 70

• Question

• Individual freedom

• Government by the people

• Life, liberty, property

p. 70, George Washington

• Question

• He was a patient, courageous, and determined leader.

p. 70, James Madison

• Question

• They were well-read intellectuals who supported Enlightenment ideals.

p. 70, Benjamin Franklin

• Question

• His scientific reputation preceded his visit to France

• He represented freedom, which was an Enlightenment ideal.

Image, p. 71, Fearless Leader

• Question:

• Perseverance, strong leadership, and determination

p. 72, Thinking Critically

• 1.• The right to freedom of speech, religion, and property

ownership• 2.• For every branch of government, another branch has the

power to veto or regulate• Ex.

– The president has the power to veto legislation– The courts may declare congressional acts unconstitutional– Congress has the ability to override presidential vetoes.

Standards Check, p. 72

• Question

• Familiarity with the terrain, strong leadership, and determination to achieve their goals.

Standards Check, p. 73

• Question

• Separation of powers,

• checks and balances,

• individual freedom,

• government by the people

Bill of Rights, p. 73

• Question:

• All enumerate powers reserved for the people and the states

• Limits the power of the federal government

p. 75, Thinking Critically

• 1.• It uses

– dramatic and inflammatory language such as “expiring” and “hopes of a resurrection to life again”

– Large lettering in the headline– Includes a skull and crossbones in the lower right corner.

• 2.• Newspapers today influence public opinion with many of

the same tools—images, cartoons, and articles.

Brief Response

• Did the framers of the US Constitution have to use “separation of powers” when designing the government in the constitution? Explain