Establishing the New Nation (1781-1789): U.S. History Test Review

republic

a government where the people elect representatives to make decisions for them.

unicameral legislature

One law-making house.

bicameral legislature

Two law-making houses (like the Senate and House today).

Articles of Confederation

America’s first national government. It was very weak and gave most power to the states.

federal

Relating to a national government that shares power with the states.

religious liberty

The freedom to choose and practice any religion (or none) without government control.

Northwest Territory

Land north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River that the U.S. gained after the Revolution.

Land Ordinance of 1785

A law that divided the Northwest Territory into square townships and sold the land to raise money.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

A law that set up a process for new states to join the U.S. and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Shays’ Rebellion

A farmer rebellion in Massachusetts that showed the Articles of Confederation were too weak.

Alexander Hamilton

A strong supporter of a powerful national government; helped write The Federalist Papers.

James Madison

“Father of the Constitution”; took detailed notes and shaped many key ideas.

Virginia Plan

Plan for Congress with representation based on population (favored big states).

New Jersey Plan

Plan for Congress with equal representation for each state (favored small states).

Great Compromise

Combined both plans: a bicameral Congress with the House (population) and Senate (equal representation).

federalism

A system where power is shared between the national government and the states.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement that enslaved people would count as 3/5 of a person for representation and taxes.

ratification

Official approval of the Constitution by the states.

Federalist

People who supported the new Constitution and a stronger national government.

Anti-Federalist

People who opposed the Constitution and wanted more power for the states; demanded a Bill of Rights.

The Federalist / Federalist Papers

Essays written to convince people to support the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments that protect individual rights like freedom of speech and religion.

popular sovereignty

The idea that government power comes from the people.

limited government

The government only has the powers the Constitution gives it.

separation of powers

Divides government into three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial.

checks and balances

Each branch can limit (check) the others so no branch becomes too powerful.

electoral college

The system used to elect the president—electors from each state cast the official votes.