A proposal by Benjamin Franklin in 1754 to unite the colonies under one council for defense and cooperation.

The first elected lawmaking body in the American colonies, formed in Virginia in 1619.

An agreement made by the Pilgrims in 1620 to make and follow laws for the good of their colony.

The ability of a group or region to govern itself.

A system where people have the power to make decisions about their government, often through voting.

An economic system where colonies exist to bring wealth to the mother country through trade.

A king or queen who rules a nation.

People of high social rank, often given special privileges by birth.

Britain's main lawmaking body that represents the people and creates laws.

Information spread to shape people's opinions or persuade them to support a cause.

A group of elected individuals who make laws and decisions for others.

A political system where people elect others to speak and act on their behalf.

A leader chosen by the British king to oversee a colony.

The ability of people in a colony to make their own laws and decisions.

A local gathering where citizens discuss and vote on community issues.

The belief that taxes should not be imposed unless the people have a voice in government.

Groups formed in the colonies to share information and organize resistance to British rule.

A 1776 pamphlet by Thomas Paine urging independence from Britain.

A group of delegates from the colonies who met to plan resistance and eventually independence.

The meeting of colonial leaders that created the Continental Army and approved the Declaration of Independence.

A refusal to buy or use certain goods as a protest.

A charge paid straight to the government, often on goods or property.

A charge placed on goods brought into a country.

A group of people chosen to make laws.

To cancel or undo a law.

Payments required by a government to fund public expenses.

The 1776 document stating that the colonies were free from British rule.

An 1830 law that forced Native American tribes to move west of the Mississippi River.

The belief that each person has the right to make their own choices and pursue their own goals.

A freedom or entitlement that all people are born with, such as life and liberty.

A person chosen to speak or act for a group.

The idea that people agree to follow laws in exchange for protection and order from the government.

A basic freedom that cannot be taken away, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The first plan for a national government in the United States, giving most power to the states.

The colonial military force formed to fight against Britain, led by George Washington.

A French document inspired by American ideas that stated all people have equal rights.

A colonist who supported the British crown during the Revolution.

A colonist who supported independence from Britain.

Using ships or troops to stop supplies or people from entering or leaving an area.

The act of freeing people from slavery or control.

Ordinary citizens trained to serve as soldiers in emergencies.

Colonial fighters who could be ready to battle with very short notice.

Betraying one's country, often by helping its enemies.

A formal agreement between nations, usually to end conflict or set terms of peace.

A powerful alliance of Native American nations in the Northeast that influenced colonial politics.

The movement to end slavery.

A conflict fought between people of the same country.

A person who worked for a set number of years in exchange for passage to the colonies.

The total money owed by a government after borrowing.

A complete change in government or society, often through conflict.

A military tactic where forces surround and cut off a place to force it to surrender.