Unit 3 — Period 3 Review: 1754–1800

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the American history period from 1754 to 1800, focusing on the revolutionary era, formation of government, and foundational documents.

The Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, which established a weak central government.

The Constitutional Convention

A meeting in 1787 to address the shortcomings of the Articles of Confederation, eventually leading to the drafting of the current U.S. Constitution.

Separation of Powers

A governance model where the powers of government are divided among different branches to prevent any one from becoming too powerful.

The Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, which guarantee individual liberties and rights.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

The two political factions that emerged in the early U.S.; Federalists supported a strong central government, while Anti-Federalists favored states' rights.

The Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, balancing representation between large and small states.

The Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement that counted enslaved individuals as three-fifths of a person for taxation and representation purposes.

The Federalist Papers

A series of 85 articles and essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

The Proclamation of 1763

A British decree that prohibited colonial settlement west of the Appalachian Mountains to prevent conflicts with Native Americans.

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786 led by discontented Massachusetts farmers to protest oppressive taxation and the lack of government response.

The Northwest Ordinance

A legislation that established a method for admitting new states to the Union and highlighted the prohibition of slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Republican Motherhood

The idea that women’s primary role was to raise children to be virtuous citizens of the new republic.

Common Sense

A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1776 that advocated for American independence from Britain.

The XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 where French officials demanded a bribe before negotiations with American diplomats, escalating tensions towards war.