APUSH Period 3 Vocab 1754-1800

A.P. U.S. History Period 3 (1754-1800) Vocab / Vocabulary

Laissez Faire

Economic philosophy advocating limited government interference in the marketplace, allowing producers and consumers to make their own economic decisions.

Iroquois Confederation

Alliance of Native American tribes that interacted with French and English colonists, serving as a buffer between French and British colonies.

Proclamation of 1763

British statement prohibiting American settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains, creating an "Indian Reserve."

Stamp Act

1765 British law imposing a tax on paper goods, leading to colonial protests against taxation without representation.

Townshend Acts

Series of 1767 British laws asserting control over American colonies, resulting in increased colonial unrest and protests.

Tea Act

Legislation granting the British East India Company a monopoly on tea sales in the colonies, leading to colonial anger and the Boston Tea Party.

Boston Massacre

1770 conflict in Boston that escalated tensions between colonists and British soldiers, increasing support for the revolutionary cause.

Committees of Correspondence

Colonial assemblies formed to spread resistance against British rule and coordinate revolutionary efforts.

Intolerable Acts

Series of punitive laws passed after the Boston Tea Party aimed at controlling the colonies, leading to increased colonial anger and calls for independence.

Sons of Liberty

Group of colonists formed to protest British taxes and organize acts of defiance during the American Revolution.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

1798 resolutions asserting states' rights to nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts.

Shays’ Rebellion

Uprising of Massachusetts farmers in 1786-87 protesting high taxes and debt, highlighting weaknesses in the Articles of Confederation.

Albany Plan of Union

Proposal by Ben Franklin for colonial unity during the French and Indian War, ultimately rejected but a step towards cooperation.

John Adams

Second President of the U.S. (1797-1801), known for his Federalist policies and involvement in the XYZ Affair and Alien and Sedition Acts.

James Madison

"Father of the Constitution," fourth U.S. President (1809-1817), known for his role in drafting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Alien and Sedition Acts

1798 laws restricting immigration and limiting free speech, leading to significant political backlash and the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions.

X, Y, Z Affair

Diplomatic incident in which French diplomats demanded bribes from U.S. representatives, leading to the Quasi-War with France.

Jay’s Treaty

1794 treaty between the U.S. and Britain resolving issues from the Revolutionary War and establishing trade relations.

Pinckney’s Treaty

1795 agreement between the U.S. and Spain that resolved territorial disputes and allowed U.S. navigation of the Mississippi River.

Separation of Powers

Division of government into three branches (Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful.

Elastic Clause

Constitutional provision allowing Congress to enact laws not explicitly stated in the Constitution, leading to debates over implied powers.

Judicial Review

The power of courts to examine laws and government actions for constitutionality, ensuring checks on government authority.

Checks and Balances

System ensuring that no branch of government can dominate the others, maintaining a balance of power.

Bill of Rights

First ten amendments to the Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights and limiting government power.

Federalists

Political party supporting a strong central government and the policies of Alexander Hamilton, including a national bank.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government and advocated for states' rights and individual liberties.

3 Branches of Government

The Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches established to ensure a separation of powers in the U.S. government.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence, third U.S. President, and leader of the Anti-Federalist movement advocating for individual rights.

Benjamin Franklin

Founding Father, diplomat, and advocate for colonial unity, known for his role in drafting the Declaration of Independence.

George Washington

First President of the U.S. and commander of the Continental Army, known for setting precedents for future presidents and advocating for a limited government.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S., establishing a weak central government and ultimately replaced by the Constitution.

Northwest Ordinance

1787 legislation establishing a framework for governing new territories and admitting new states, guaranteeing rights and prohibiting slavery.

Whiskey Rebellion

1794 uprising by farmers protesting a federal tax on whiskey, demonstrating the federal government's ability to enforce laws.

Bank of the U.S.

Proposed by Alexander Hamilton to stabilize the economy and manage government funds, facing opposition from Anti-Federalists.

Critical Period

The 1780s following the Revolutionary War, marked by challenges in governance and economic stability leading to the Constitutional Convention.

Great Compromise

Agreement during the Constitutional Convention establishing a bicameral legislature with representation based on population and equal representation in the Senate.

3/5ths Compromise

Agreement counting three-fifths of the slave population for representation and taxation purposes, impacting political power dynamics.

Federalism

A system of government dividing powers between national and state governments, foundational to the U.S. political structure.

Molasses Act

British tax on molasses imports aimed at protecting British interests, contributing to colonial discontent and revolutionary sentiment.

Mercy Otis Warren

Female activist and writer who used her works to promote revolutionary ideas and critique British rule during the American Revolution.

Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776

A democratic state constitution emphasizing natural rights and popular sovereignty, reflecting Enlightenment ideals.

Pontiac’s Rebellion

Native American uprising against British colonization in the Great Lakes region, leading to changes in British policies towards Native Americans.

Proclamation of Neutrality

George Washington's declaration of U.S. neutrality in the conflict between France and Britain during the French Revolution.

Report on Manufactures

Alexander Hamilton's proposal to support American industry through tariffs and government assistance, sparking political debate.