APUSH Chapter 6 Vocab

Battle of Saratoga 1777

It was the first major American victory in the Revolution, proving the Continental Army could defeat the British and convincing France to ally with the United States. This marked the turning point of the war.

Treaty of Alliance 1778

A formal alliance between France and the United States, providing military support, loans, and supplies, and giving international legitimacy to the Revolution. It ultimately helped the U.S secure victory.

Treaty of Paris 1783

This treaty ended the Revolutionary War. Britain recognized American independence and ceded land to the Mississippi River. The U.S. also gained valuable fishing rights off of Newfoundland.

Republic

A government based on elected representatives rather than monarchy. After independence, Americans rejected hereditary rule. They saw the republic as the best way to protect liberty. This became the foundation of the U.S government.

Popular Sovereignty

The principle that government authority comes from the people, allowing citizens to rule through their votes and representatives. This idea shaped both state and federal constitutions. It became a defining element of American democracy.

John Adams, Thoughts on Government

Published in 1776, this pamphlet argued for separation of powers and checks and balances. It opposed unicameral legislatures. Instead, it supported bicameral legislatures and independent courts. The ideas in this pamphlet influenced many state constitutions.

Articles of Confederation (1781)

Ratified in 1781, it created the first national government where power rested with the states, lacking the ability to tax or enforce laws, leading to its ineffectiveness.

Northwest Ordinance (Land Ordinances of the 1780's)

It set rules for creating new states in the Northwest Territory, established a path to statehood, and banned slavery in the region.

Shay's Rebellion (1786-1787)

To protest high taxes and debt imprisonment, exposing the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and leading to calls for a stronger constitution.

Virginia Plan

Proposed by James Madison, this plan called for a strong national government. Representation would be based on population, favoring large states. It created a three-branch government with checks and balances. The plan shaped early debates at the Constitutional Convention.

New Jersey Plan (1787)

It proposed a single-house legislature with equal representation for all states, addressing fears of domination by larger states. The plan was eventually merged into the Great Compromise.

Great Compromise (1787)

Also known as the Connecticut Compromise, it established a bicameral legislature with the House based on population and the Senate providing equal representation.

Federalists

Supported ratification of the Constitution, advocating for a strong central government to maintain order and promote commerce.

Anti-Federalists

Opposed the Constitution, fearing it created a powerful government distant from the people, advocating for stronger state governments and individual rights.

Federalist Papers

Essays written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay defending the Constitution, explaining how the government would prevent tyranny through checks and balances.