Unit 2 US GOV

Jamestown

The first permanent English settlement in America, established in 1607.

House of Burgesses

The first legislative assembly in the American colonies, established in Virginia in 1619.

Mayflower Compact

An agreement made by the Pilgrims in Plymouth Colony to govern themselves by their own laws.

Seven Years' War

A conflict that led to increased British control over North America and subsequent taxation of the colonies.

Stamp Acts

British laws imposing taxes on the colonies, leading to resistance and contributing to the American Revolution.

Declaration of Independence

A document drafted by Thomas Jefferson in July 1776 proclaiming the colonies' independence from Britain.

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, in effect from 1777 to 1789, which created a weak central government.

Founding Fathers

The delegates and leaders who played significant roles in the establishment of the United States government.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay advocating for a strong central government.

Democratic-Republican Party

A political party founded by Thomas Jefferson opposing the Federalists and advocating for states' rights.

Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature with both equal and population-based representation.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A compromise that determined that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for representation and taxation purposes.

Electoral College

A system established for the indirect election of the president by electors, balancing state and federal interests.

Enlightenment

An intellectual movement emphasizing reason and individual rights, influencing the founding principles of American democracy.

Social Contract

The agreement between the people and their government, where the government derives its authority from the consent of the governed.

Separation of Powers

The division of government into three branches (executive, legislative, judicial) to prevent abuse of power.

Checks and Balances

A system ensuring that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others to maintain balance.

Federalism

A system of government where power is divided between the national and state governments.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties and limiting government power.

Tenth Amendment

An amendment stating that powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people.