social studies test oct 27

Articles of Confederation

The first government of the United States (1781-1789), characterized by a weak central authority that lacked the power to tax, enforce laws, or regulate commerce.

Constitutional Convention

A meeting in 1787 where delegates originally intended to revise the Articles of Confederation but ended up drafting a new Constitution.

Separation of Powers

The principle that divides government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial, each with distinct responsibilities.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others to prevent tyranny.

Federalism

A system of government that divides power between the national and state governments.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that the government's power derives from the consent of the governed.

Ratification

The process of formally approving the Constitution, marked by debates between Federalists and Anti-Federalists.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to guarantee fundamental rights and freedoms.

Judicial Review

The power of the Supreme Court to declare acts of Congress unconstitutional, established by the case Marbury v. Madison (1803).

Necessary and Proper Clause

Clause that allows Congress to make laws required for the exercise of its enumerated powers; upheld in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819).

Commerce Clause

A clause that gives Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce, broadened by the Gibbons v. Ogden (1824) case.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by farmers in Pennsylvania against a federal tax on whiskey, demonstrating the ability of the federal government to enforce laws.

Political Division

The emergence of political parties in the early United States, leading to debates over government power, economic policy, and foreign relations.

Native American Conflicts

Clashes caused by American westward expansion, often supported by foreign forces like the British or Spanish.

Impressment

The British practice of seizing American sailors and forcing them into the British navy, a significant cause of the War of 1812.

Treaty of Ghent

The agreement that ended the War of 1812, restoring pre-war boundaries and essentially serving as an armistice.

Battle of Fort McHenry

The defense of Baltimore that inspired the writing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' during the War of 1812.

Battle of New Orleans

A decisive American victory led by Andrew Jackson in 1815 that occurred after the peace treaty was signed.

Rise of American Nationalism

An increase in national pride and a sense of unity following the outcomes of the War of 1812.