Untitled Flashcards Set

The Institution of Slavery

System of forced labor primarily affecting African Americans in the U.S.

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

Pamphlet advocating independence from Britain, published in 1776.

James Madison: The Federalists Papers

A series of essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and individual states.

Bicameral Legislature

A two-house legislative system, consisting of the Senate and House of Representatives.

Separation of Powers

Principle that divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent abuse of power.

Checks and Balances

A system that ensures that no branch of government exceeds its power.

States’ Rights

The rights and powers held by individual states rather than by the federal government.

The “Unwritten Constitution”

Political practices and precedents that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution.

Three-fifths Compromise

Agreement that three-fifths of a state's slave population would be counted for representation.

George Washington

The first President of the United States and a Founding Father.

GW’s Precedents

Traditions established by George Washington that shaped the presidency.

GW’s Farewell Address

George Washington's final speech, warning against political parties and foreign alliances.

Thomas Jefferson

The third President who authored the Declaration of Independence.

The Embargo Act

A law passed in 1807 that prohibited American ships from trading in foreign ports.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of the territory of Louisiana from France in 1803.

Loose vs. Strict Interpretation of the Constitution

Debate over how broadly or narrowly to interpret the Constitution's powers.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

The Construction of the Erie Canal

A major infrastructure project completed in 1825 that connected the Hudson River to Lake Erie.

The Missouri Compromise of 1820

Legislation that admitted Missouri as a slave state and Maine as a free state, maintaining balance.

The Compromise of 1850

A package of five bills aimed at resolving tensions over slavery in territories acquired from Mexico.

The Growth of Railroads in the U.S.

Expansion of rail transportation that facilitated trade and settlement in the 19th century.

Causes of the Civil War

Factors including slavery, states' rights, and economic differences that led to the Civil War.

Southern Secession

The withdrawal of Southern states from the Union in the lead-up to the Civil War.

Abraham Lincoln (Election of 1860)

Lincoln's election that led to Southern states seceding due to fears over his anti-slavery stance.

A House Divided

A phrase from Lincoln's speech signifying the conflict between North and South over slavery.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the North and South

Differences in resources, population, and industry that affected capabilities during the Civil War.

Gettysburg Address

A famous speech by Lincoln, emphasizing unity and the principles of human equality.

Emancipation Proclamation

Lincoln's executive order freeing slaves in Confederate-held territory.

The Freedman’s Bureau

Agency created to help former slaves transition to freedom and provide assistance after the Civil War.