Are you smarter than an 8 th grader?

1. Why did Europeans come to America? Which group established the first settlements? They came for economic growth, to expand their empires, find land, or escape religious persecution. The Spanish established the first settlements. Why did Africans come to America? Who was responsible for this? They were brought against their will by European traders to serve as slaves. Warring African tribes also had a role in the slave trade. What is representative government? Why is this effective? It is a government where the people elect representatives to represent them. People have a voice in their government. Who did the American colonists fight in the American Revolution? Why did they fight? The British (English). They fought because of unjust taxation, a tyrannical king, and various other reasons. What is a constitutional republic? What would be the opposite of this? It is a government where the constitution serves as the plan of government and where people elect representatives to represent them. The opposite would be a dictatorship or absolute monarchy. What is Congress? What does bicameral mean? It is the elected legislature of the United States that makes laws. Bicameral means 2 houses (Senate and House of Representatives). Are you smarter than an 8th grader?

2. Who is George Washington? He was the Commander of the Continental Army, he served as President of the Constitutional Convention and he was the first President of the United States. What is the Industrial Revolution? Give an example of something created during it. It is the time period where a change was made from making goods by hand to making goods by machine. (Example – steam engine) What is Manifest Destiny? What war was fought which allowed America to accomplish this? The idea in the 19th Century that Americans should move west and populate the area all the way to the Pacific Ocean. The Mexican War allowed the U.S. to gain the land needed. Why did the North fight the South in the Civil War? Who won and why? The Civil War was over states’ rights and the issue of slavery. The North won due to greater numbers along with control of railroads and factories. What are your Civil Liberties? The personal freedoms guaranteed to all Americans in the Bill of Rights. (Ex. Freedom of speech, religion, right to bear arms Are you smarter than an 8th grader?