APUSH - Unit 2

French and Indian War

A conflict (1754-1763) that left Britain with a huge debt, leading to increased taxation of the colonies.

Sugar Act

A tax imposed by Britain on the colonies to raise revenue after the French and Indian War.

Stamp Act

A tax that required colonists to purchase special stamped paper for legal documents, newspapers, and other publications.

Proclamation Line of 1763

A boundary set by Britain that restricted westward expansion by the colonies.

Enlightenment ideas

Philosophical concepts that influenced the Revolution, including natural rights and social contract.

Natural rights

The rights to life, liberty, and property as articulated by John Locke.

Social contract

The theory that government exists to protect individual rights and should not abuse them.

Separation of powers

Montesquieu's concept that influenced the Constitution, advocating for distinct branches of government.

Great Awakening

A religious revival in the 1730s-1740s that encouraged questioning of authority and promoted equality.

Salutary Neglect

A period when Britain allowed colonies to self-govern and trade freely.

Mercantilism

Economic policy enforced by Britain after 1763, controlling trade for British profit.

Declaration of Independence

A document written by Thomas Jefferson in 1776 declaring the colonies' independence from Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first national government of the United States, which had significant weaknesses.

Northwest Ordinance

Legislation passed in 1787 that organized western lands and banned slavery there.

Great Compromise

Created a bicameral legislature with representation based on population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Counted enslaved people as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxation purposes.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government and advocated for states' rights.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution added to protect individual liberties.

Living Constitution

The idea that the Constitution can adapt over time through amendments, the Elastic Clause, and judicial review.

Federalists vs. Democratic-Republicans

Federalists, led by Hamilton, supported a strong central government; Democratic-Republicans, led by Jefferson, favored strong state governments.

Washington's Farewell Address

Advice given by George Washington at the end of his presidency, warning against political parties and foreign alliances.

Proclamation Line (1763)

Banned settlement west of Appalachians.

Sugar Act (1764)

Tax on sugar & molasses.

Stamp Act (1765)

Tax on printed goods.

Quartering Act (1765)

Colonists house British troops.

Declaratory Act (1766)

Parliament asserts control.

Townshend Acts (1767)

Taxes on glass, lead, tea, etc.

Boston Massacre (1770)

British troops killed 5 colonists.

Tea Act (1773)

Allowed cheap British tea.

Intolerable Acts (1774)

Punishment for Tea Party.

1st Continental Congress (1774)

Organized colonial resistance.

2nd Continental Congress (1775)

Created Continental Army and issued Declaration of Independence.

Common Sense (1776)

Thomas Paine's pamphlet urging independence.

Lexington & Concord (1775)

First battles of the Revolution.

Patriots

Supported independence.

Loyalists (Tories)

Loyal to Britain.

Republican Motherhood

Women should raise virtuous, civic-minded citizens.

Paris Peace Treaty (1783)

Ended the war; U.S. recognized as independent.

Articles of Confederation (1781-1789)

One branch (Congress); each state had 1 vote.

Federalist Papers

Essays defending the Constitution.

Checks and Balances

Prevents one branch from dominating.

Federalism

Divides power between federal and state governments.

Popular Sovereignty

Government power comes from the people.

Elastic Clause

Allows flexibility in laws.

Judicial Review

Courts can declare laws unconstitutional.