United States History: Key Concepts and Events

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms related to early United States history, focusing on major political events, foundational legal principles, and significant historical figures.

Political Parties

Groups formed to support specific policies and political candidates, often leading to rivalry and division.

Federalists

Political party led by John Adams that supported a strong central government and was often in conflict with the Democratic-Republicans.

Alien Acts

Laws enacted to make it harder for immigrants to become citizens, increasing residency requirement from 5 to 14 years.

Sedition Act

Law that made it illegal to criticize the government, leading to imprisonment of opposing newspaper editors.

Nullification

The right of a state to invalidate any federal law deemed unconstitutional.

Electoral College

System established by the Constitution for electing the President and Vice President of the United States.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to invalidate laws and executive actions that are unconstitutional.

Louisiana Purchase

Acquisition of territory from France in 1803 that doubled the size of the United States.

Barbary Pirates

North African pirates who raided American merchant ships, leading to conflict and a U.S. military response.

Embargo Act

A law prohibiting American ships from trading in foreign ports, intended to pressure Britain and France.

Tecumseh

Native American leader who sought to unite tribes against American expansion.

War Hawks

Young politicians advocating for war against Britain in the early 1800s, particularly during the War of 1812.

Battle of New Orleans

A significant battle in the War of 1812, led by Andrew Jackson, which occurred after the peace treaty was signed.

Marbury v. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case establishing the principle of judicial review.

First Amendment

Part of the Bill of Rights protecting freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and petition.

French Revolution

A period of political and social upheaval in France, which had significant implications for the United States.

Cotton Gin

A machine invented by Eli Whitney that revolutionized the cotton industry and intensified the need for slave labor.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Legislation that established the federal judiciary system and allowed the Supreme Court to review cases.