The Constitutional Status of Africans

Preamble

Explains the purpose of the Constitution.

Responsibilities of Government

Six responsibilities are listed in the Preamble.

Article II

Focused on the President and outlines the President's powers.

President's Term

The President holds office for a four-year term.

Article III

Details the power of the Supreme Court and the judicial branch.

Judicial Power

Granted to the U.S. Supreme Court, with lower courts established by Congress.

3/5 Compromise

Slaves counted as ⅗ of a person for representation purposes.

Slaveocracy

A political and social institution based on slavery.

Naturalization Act of 1790

Set rules for citizenship, limited to "free, white persons" of good character.

Yellow Fever

A viral disease marked by fever, muscle pain, and jaundice, leading to high mortality.

Fugitive Slave Law of 1793

Required states to return escaped slaves to their owners.

Eli Whitney

Inventor of the cotton gin, patented in 1794.

Cotton Gin Impact

Strengthened slavery by increasing efficiency and profits in cotton farming.

Haitian Revolution

Described as the largest and most successful slave rebellion in the Western Hemisphere.

Louisiana Purchase

In 1803, it doubled the size of the U.S. and was explored by Lewis and Clark.