Articles of Confederation to War of 1812 Test Review

What were the Articles of Confederation?

The first constitution of the United States, written in 1777 and ratified in 1781, establishing a confederation of sovereign states.

When were the Articles of Confederation ratified?

March 1, 1781.

What significant name did the Articles of Confederation give to the new nation?

The United States of America.

What powers were granted to Congress under the Articles of Confederation?

To make treaties, maintain armed forces, and coin money.

What major powers were lacking in the central government under the Articles?

The ability to levy taxes and regulate commerce.

What event led to the Constitutional Convention in 1787?

The weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, particularly the inability to raise funds and regulate trade.

What was the Annapolis Convention?

A meeting in 1786 with 12 representatives from 5 states to address trade barriers and call for a broader meeting to discuss issues.

What was Shays' Rebellion?

An uprising led by Daniel Shays in 1786-1787 by farmers in Western Massachusetts protesting high taxes and debt.

What was the Northwest Ordinance?

A law adopted in 1787 that established a government for the Northwest Territory and a method for admitting new states.

What were the three principal provisions of the Northwest Ordinance?

1) Division of the territory into states, 2) A three-stage method for state admission, 3) A bill of rights protecting individual freedoms.

What was the significance of the 3/5 Compromise?

It determined how slaves would be counted for representation and taxation purposes, affecting political power dynamics.

What was the purpose of the Federalist Papers?

To promote the ratification of the United States Constitution and explain the benefits of a strong central government.

What was George Washington's stance on foreign alliances?

He advised against forming political alliances in his farewell address to avoid being dragged into foreign conflicts.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

A 1791 uprising against a tax on whiskey, which was suppressed by Washington's federal army, marking the first use of federal force to assert authority.

Who was Alexander Hamilton?

The first Secretary of the Treasury, known for establishing a strong federal economy and creating financial systems.

What were Hamilton's three pillars for building the economy?

1) Pay government expenses with a tax on foreign goods, 2) Buy back bonds from speculators, 3) Federal government assumes state debts.

What was the outcome of Hamilton's proposal to buy back bonds?

It was not fully implemented as planned, leading to discontent among bondholders.

What was the significance of Washington D.C.'s location?

It was strategically placed next to Virginia as part of a compromise to gain support for Hamilton's financial proposals.

What was the Treaty of Paris?

The treaty signed in 1783 that ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

What was the role of the Confederation Congress?

The governing body under the Articles of Confederation, responsible for making decisions and treaties.

What was the impact of the Articles of Confederation on state sovereignty?

States remained sovereign and independent, limiting the power of the central government.

What role did Thomas Jefferson have in the government?

He served as Secretary of State.

What was the XYZ Affair?

A diplomatic incident where French agents demanded bribes from American diplomats, leading to tensions and an undeclared war with France.

What significant legislation did John Adams enact in response to the XYZ Affair?

The Alien and Sedition Acts.

What did the Naturalization Act change?

It increased the residency requirement for immigrants to vote from 5 years to 14 years.

What was the Sedition Act?

It made it illegal for newspaper editors to criticize the president.

What is judicial review?

The power of the courts to determine the constitutionality of laws.

What was the significance of the Marbury v. Madison case?

It established the principle of judicial review in the Supreme Court.

What was the Louisiana Purchase?

A land acquisition by Thomas Jefferson that doubled the size of the United States.

What was the outcome of the War of 1812?

It confirmed American sovereignty and national identity despite military challenges.

What was the Non-Intercourse Act of 1809?

It allowed trade with all nations except Britain and France.

What was Macon's Bill No. 2?

It prohibited British and French warships from entering American harbors.

What was the significance of the Battle of New Orleans?

It made Andrew Jackson a national hero and occurred after the Treaty of Ghent was signed.

What were the Alien Enemies Act provisions?

It authorized the government to deport 'dangerous aliens' during wartime.

What was Shay's Rebellion?

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers protesting economic injustices and lack of government response.

What were the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

It lacked a strong central government, could not levy taxes, and had no executive branch.

What was the significance of the Hartford Convention?

It indicated discontent in New England with the War of 1812 and proposed constitutional amendments.

What was the main disagreement between Federalists and Anti-Federalists?

Federalists supported a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists favored states' rights.

What were the Federalist Papers?

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the Constitution.

What did George Washington warn against in his Farewell Address?

He warned against political parties and foreign alliances.

What was the significance of the Embargo Act?

It halted all trade with foreign nations, aiming to protect American interests but harming the economy.

What was the impact of the 3/5 Compromise?

It allowed states to count three-fifths of their enslaved population for representation and taxation.

What was the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Northwest Land Ordinances?

He advocated for the orderly expansion and governance of new territories.

What was the concept of 'Republican motherhood'?

The idea that women had a role in teaching republican values to their children.

What was the significance of the Adams-Onís Treaty?

It ceded Florida to the United States and defined the boundary between the U.S. and New Spain.