APUSH Unit 3 (vocab)

Mercantilism

Economic system tying a nation's power to its wealth, focusing on exports and favorable trade balances to enrich the mother country.

Navigation Laws

British regulations limiting colonial trade to benefit the mother country, causing resentment among American colonists.

Salutary Neglect

British policy of lenient enforcement of colonial rules, granting colonies autonomy for economic benefits and loyalty.

Virtual Representation

British belief that Parliament represented all British subjects, including colonists without direct representation.

Declaration of Independence

1776 document declaring American colonies' freedom from British rule, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress.

Articles of Confederation

America's initial constitution (1777), establishing a weak central government with states holding most power.

Land Ordinances of 1784 and 1785

Laws organizing the survey and sale of western lands, dividing them into townships for settlement.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Legislation setting rules for new state admission from the Northwest Territory, banning slavery in the region.

Shay's Rebellion

1786-1787 revolt of Massachusetts farmers against taxes and debt, revealing weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional Convention

1787 meeting in Philadelphia to amend the Articles of Confederation, leading to the U.S. Constitution's drafting.

Large State Plan

Proposal at the Constitutional Convention advocating for congressional representation based on population, benefiting larger states.

Small State Plan

Proposal at the Constitutional Convention advocating for equal congressional representation for all states, regardless of size, favoring smaller states.

3/5 Compromise

Agreement at the Constitutional Convention counting three-fifths of enslaved individuals for representation and taxation purposes.

Federalist

Supporters of the U.S. Constitution's ratification, promoting a strong central government.

Anti-Federalist

Opponents of the U.S. Constitution's ratification, fearing a powerful central government and supporting state sovereignty.

Alexander Hamilton

Founding Father, Federalist, and first Secretary of the Treasury, known for his economic policies and advocacy for a strong federal government.

George Washington

Founding Father, Revolutionary War hero, and first U.S. President, recognized for his leadership during the American Revolution and presidency.

Jay's Treaty

1794 agreement between the U.S. and Great Britain, aiming to settle post-Revolutionary War issues but criticized for favoring British interests.

Pinckney's Treaty

1795 pact between the U.S. and Spain, securing American navigation rights on the Mississippi River and defining Florida's boundary.

Alien and Sedition Acts

1798 laws by the Federalist-led Congress, restricting immigration and criticism of the government, viewed as infringing on free speech.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

1798 and 1799 statements by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison affirming states' rights to nullify unconstitutional federal laws, responding to the Alien and Sedition Acts.