SS Final Exam Grade 8

Why did the Constitutional Convention take place in 1789?

They wanted to discuss possible changes to strengthen and improve the current government

Why didn’t some delegates and states support the new Constitution?

They feared the new government was too strong and the Constitution needed a “Bill of Rights” to protect people’s freedoms.

Why did the Constitutional Convention take place in 1789?

They wanted to discuss possible changes to strengthen and improve the current government

Why didn’t some delegates and states support the new Constitution?

They feared the new government was too strong and the Constitution needed a “Bill of Rights” to protect people’s freedoms.

What is a precedent?

A decision that will be followed as an example in the future.

What was the Whiskey Rebellion?

A rebellion by farmers in Pennsylvania after Hamilton placed a tax on whiskey to raise money to fund the government.

Why did political parties begin in the United States?

Hamilton and Jefferson disagreed on most topics when working together. They naturally gathered followers who worked to push the ideas that they thought were best for the future of the country.

What were the Alien and Sedition Acts?

Laws passed by Federalists. The Sedition Act made it illegal to “falsely” critisize the government

What were Jefferon’s goals as president?

Jefferson wanted to reduce the size and budget of the U.S. government

What were the concerns with buying Louisiana?

15 million dollars was expensive

How did Jackson settle many disputes?

He settled many disputes by dueling the other person.

What are 4 examples of Andrew Jackson acting as a “hero”?

Winning the battle of New Orleans Expanding voting rights Joining the Revolution Enforcing taxes in South Carolina

What was the Indian Removal Act?

A law that forced Native American tribes to give up their land and move west.

Which tribe was forced to march on the Trail of Tears?

The Cherokee

Why might Americans settle in Oregon?

The government was giving free land to settlers who arrived there.

Why might Americans settle in Utah?

Mormons settled there to practice their religion freely.

What led to the Mexican-American War?

The U.S. annexed Texas

How did the growth of cotton lead to more slavery in the South?

Cotton was a valuable cash crop and the cotton gin made it easier to harvest. Plantations needed more slaves to grow and harvest the cotton.

Abolitioists worked to end slavery in the U.S. in the 1800s.

How was Abraham Lincoln able to win the election of 1860?

The Democrats had three candidates

Why were “border states” unique?

They were states where slavery was legal that chose to stay in the Union.

What advantages did the Union have at the beginning of the war?

A larger military

How did the Confederacy think it could win the Civil War?

They had to make the war last long enough that Northerners would give up and let the Cofederacy become its own country.

How was the Battle of Gettysburg a turning point in the Civil War?

The Confederates were running out of soldiers The Confederate generals were killed or lost confidence The Union renewed its commitment to win

Abraham Lincoln:

The President of the United States during the Civil War

Jefferson Davis:

The first and only president of the Confederate States of America

Ulysses S. Grant:

The lead general of the Union army by the end of the war

Robert E. Lee:

The lead general of the Confederate army and considered to be the best general in the war

John Wilkes Booth:

A famous actor and Confederate sympathizer who killed Abraham Lincoln

Popular Sovereignty:

The power lies with the people of a country.

Limited Government:

A government can only do what the Constitution allows it to do.

Separation of Powers:

The division of authority between the legislative

Checks and Balances:

A system in which each branch of government can check

Provide a basic explanation for the listed steps for how a bill becomes a law

How does the process start: A Senator or Rep has an idea for a law. It could come from themselves

Commander-in-Chief:

Decides where troops and ships should be stationed/sent

Head of State:

Represents and inspires the country

Foreign Policy Leader:

Negotiates treaties with other countries

Chief Executive:

Enforces laws and grants pardons

Dept. of State:

Manages our relationships with foreign countries

Dept. of the Treasury:

Collects taxes

Dept. of Defense:

Manages the armed forces and conducts wars overseas

Dept. of Justice:

Enforces laws and represents the United States in legal matters

Who are the two next steps in the Presidential Order of Succession?

The President 1. Vice President 2. Speaker of the House

What is “judicial review”?

The power to review congressional laws

How can the Legislative Branch check the Executive Branch?

Can reject appointments Can reject treaties Can withhold funding for presidential initiatives Can impeach and remove the president Can override a veto

What does it mean to amend the Constitution?

To make a change or addition to the Constitution.

How did they balance the needs of “large” and “small” states?

They created two “houses” for making laws. The Senate would be based on equality and the House of Representatives would be based on population.

Who was the first president of the United States

George Washington

What were four precedents set by Washington?

Being addressed as “Mr. President” 2. Creating a cabinet 3. Neutrality in foreign affairs 4. Only serving for two terms

How did Washington respond to the Whiskey Rebellion?

Washington sent in the military to stop the rebellion to show the government was strong and could keep people safe. He then pardoned those involved.

What were the first two political parties in the United States? The Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Who became President in 1800?

Thomas Jefferson

How did the U.S. gain the Louisiana Territory?

It purchased the land from France for 15 million dollars.

What was the Lewis and Clark expedition?

An expedition to explore the Louisiana Territory

What action did Jackson take on voting rights?

He expanded voting rights to include common men.

What are 4 examples of Andrew Jackson being a “villian”?

Harsh treatment of Natives Forcing the Indian Removal Act Dueling opponents Ending the National Bank

Why did Americans support the Indian Removal Act?

They claimed Natives were going to die out but had a better chance to survive if they moved to new lands in the West.

What did Americans believe was their “Manifest Destiny” in the 1800s?

To expand across the continent and set an example for the world.

What were the challenges faced by those on the Oregon Trail?

Harsh weather

Why might Americans settle in California?

Many moved there hoping to find gold and become wealthy.

How did the United States win the war?

The U.S. military was better trained and supplied than the Mexican military.

What impact did industrialization have in the North?

Industrialization led to more factories in the North. These factories hired many diverse people and created more towns and cities in the North.

How did Southern states react to Lincoln’s Election?

11 Southern states seceded from the U.S. and created their own country called the Confederate States of America.

Why was the Union fighting at the beginning of the Civil War?

The Union was fighting to keep the United States together.

What advantages did the Confederacy have at the beginning of the war?

Better generals ad knowledge of land.

What reason did Lincoln give for emancipating the slaves?

He said it was “military necessity” because slaves were helping the Confederate army keep the war going.

What is “total war”?

Total War is when you target the cities

What is the purpose of the Executive Cabinet?

The Executive Cabinet is a group of leaders of Executive Departments that give advice to the President and help them make big decisions.

How can the Executive Branch check the Judicial Branch?

Appoints judges to the Supreme Court and other federal courts Can pardon convictions Enforces

How can the Judicial Branch check the Legislative Branch?

May declare laws unconstitutional

What is the difference between a citizen’s duty and responsibility?

A citizen’s duty is something that you are required to do