Unit 1B Assessment Review
Name:__________________________
Be sure to study Chapters 12-13 in your textbook.
Key Vocabulary and Principles of the United States:
Independence
Ability to rule or govern one’s self. The United States should be a
free and independent nation.
Representative
The government of the United States should be made up of
Government
democratically elected representatives. This is called “consent of
the governed” which means the power comes from the people.
Limited Government The size and power of the government should be limited by laws,
structure of branches, and elections. (Unlike King George’s
unlimited power).
Individual Rights
Everyone has automatic and guaranteed rights. All people also
and Responsibilities
have responsibilities to help make our democracy work.
Rule of Law
Governments and individuals must follow democratically
developed laws. Laws passed within the political system, by the
majority, must be followed by all citizens within that nation.
Symbols/Slogans
Ex: Join or Die Snake. Pictures and Phrases that helped to inspire
unity and belief in a united and independent American nation.
Petition
A formal written request for something, which is given to a person
in charge.
Within vs. Outside a
Political System
militia
Using the rules and powers allowed by a political system to work
for change vs. going outside one’s powers or the political processes
to demand change. Remember one is not always good and the other
is not always bad.
A small army made up of ordinary citizens
Textbook Chapter 12:
Declaration of Independence
12.2 The Second Continental Congress
Where did the second Continental Congress take place and what did this
group serve as?
 Philadelphia
 Served as the new government for the colonies.
What were the three main tasks of the 2nd CC and what were their decisions
1.) Evaluate colonial militia success and decide if a united Continental Army was
needed. Continental army was definitely needed.
2.) Decide who should lead the new army. George Washington, a seasoned soldier
with plenty of field and leadership experience in the French and Indian War
3.) Decide whether to formally declare independence or not. With success of
Common Sense, decided to write formal Declaration.
12.3 Thomas Paine and Common Sense
What did the Common Sense booklet argue for and why was it so popular
amongst colonists?
 Argued that it was only natural to rule oneself and not be ruled by a
king. Argued that America was able to show the world a better form of
government
12.4 Writing the Declaration of Independence
Who wrote the declaration of Independence and what two other Patriots were
on the committee?
1) Thomas Jefferson
a) Benjamin Franklin
b) John Adams
12.5 Signing the Declaration
What is treason and why was it committed by those who signed the Declaration?
 Treason is the crime of disloyalty to a ruler or a government. By signing
their names to a treasonous document of independence from Britain, the
Second Continental Congress committed the crime.
Why was John Hancock asked to sign his name first?
 He was the president of the Second Continental Congress.
12.6 The Declaration of Independence
What are the purposes of each of the five main sections of the Declaration.
Section 1) Explains why colonists felt it was necessary to write the document. (It
is respectful to publicly declare when the separation of a relationship is necessary).
Section 2) Describes the rights all people should have (Life, Liberty, Pursuit of
Happiness).
Section 3) Explains why governments are made and what rights citizens have
when governments don’t do their job. (Citizens may change it or start a new one).
Section 4) Explains publicly why colonists are unhappy with King George. (Why
he is not doing his job for his people).
Section 5) Declares that the United Colonies are now a free, and independent
nation.
Chapter 13
Continental Army Versus British Army
Textbook: Possible Questions and Possible Answers
13.2 The Continental Army
Who were the soldiers in the Continental Army?
 Volunteers who were poor farmers, merchants, and other worker, many African Americans
and some women were in the Continental Army
What difficulties did the Continental Army face?
 Little money to pay soldiers or buy supplies, they were not well trained and weren’t
disciplined
13.3 The British Army
Who was in the British Army?
 Poor men who earned low pay, soldiers from other countries, Native Americans, loyalists in
America
What advantages did the British Army have over the Continental Army?
 Soldiers had uniforms, a good musket, and bayonet (supplies and equipment,) soldiers were
professional and well trained, army and navy was large
13.4 The British Army: A Long Way from Home
What problems did the British Army face because of being a long way from home?
 Hard to get supplies and directions from Britain to America, Privateers attacked the British
supply ships, British did not know the land well and did not have the support of most
colonists
13.5 The Continental Army’s Motivation to Win
What motivated the soldiers in the Continental Army?
 They were defending their homes and rights, trying to make a better life for themselves.
13.6 Different War Strategies
What strategies did the British Army use?
 Offensive strategies, they attacked in large formations and tried to take control of the cities
and countryside, face to face fighting that was out in the open
What strategies did the Continental Army use?
 Defensive strategies, they tried to keep the British Army from taking control of the cities and
countryside, surprise attacks against the British Army, guerilla tactics-hid behind trees,
stonewalls, shot from a laying down position.
13.7 The Continental Army Gains Allies
Who were the Continental Army’s Allies?
 France and Spain
What did the allies do to help the Continental Army win the war?
 The French provided gunpowder and loaned the Congress money, Spain fought the British in
Florida and captured their fort, the French fought the British and supported the colonists with
warships and troops, the French helped the Continental Army trap the British at Yorktown.
13.8 The Treaty of Paris: American Victory
What did Britain and the colonists agree to in the Treaty of Paris?
 That America was an independent nation, Britain gave colonists a huge amount of land
BIG PICTURE: How was the Continental Army able to come from behind to win the War?
 Better Leadership
 Guerilla Military Tactics
 Foreign Aid
 Knowledge of the Land
 Motivation and Heart
Teacher’s Guide