APUSH Unit 3.3 Key Term Quiz

Franco-American Alliance

A 1778 alliance signed with France, which provided critical French naval support and financial assistance to the American cause. (Mentioned in context of the American victory at Saratoga.)

Treaty of Paris (1783)

The agreement signed between Great Britain and the United States that officially ended the Revolutionary War, recognizing U.S. independence and granting generous territorial rights.

Articles of Confederation

The first national constitution of the United States (adopted in 1777), which established a weak central government that lacked the power to enforce taxation, regulate trade, or maintain an army.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

A piece of legislation that contained a bill of rights for settlers and established the process by which territories (in the area north of the Ohio River) could become states.

New Jersey Plan

The proposal to modify the Virginia Plan, suggesting that the number of representatives for each state be equal.

Virginia Plan

A proposal that described a federal government where the number of representatives for each state would be based upon the population of the state.

Checks and Balances

A concept called for alongside the Virginia Plan to ensure the three-tiered government structure maintained a system of separated and limited powers.

Executive Branch

The branch of government that would be headed by a president and would execute or carry out the laws.

Legislative Branch

The branch of government described as a bicameral (two-house) Congress, responsible for making laws and holding powers like regulating interstate trade and declaring war.

Judicial Branch

The branch of government composed of a Supreme Court and lower courts, responsible for interpreting the laws.