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Power of the Purse

The ability of colonial legislatures to control government spending, leading to tensions with Britain.

Mercantilism

An economic policy where colonies existed to benefit the mother country (Britain), resulting in trade restrictions.

1763 (Treaty of Paris & Proclamation Line)

Ended the French & Indian War, restricting colonial expansion westward, which angered settlers.

British Actions Leading to the Revolution

Acts like the Sugar Act, Stamp Act, Townshend Acts, Tea Act, and Intolerable Acts fueled colonial resentment.

Revolutionary War

Conflict between Colonists and Britain; major events included Lexington & Concord, Saratoga, and Yorktown.

Advantages for Colonists

Home-field advantage and guerrilla tactics during the Revolutionary War.

Advantages for British

Stronger military and navy during the Revolutionary War.

Articles of Confederation

The first weak government of the U.S.; unable to tax, lacked an executive branch, and required unanimous approval for amendments.

Shay’s Rebellion

Uprising of farmers over debt, highlighting the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

The Constitution

Established a stronger federal government with three branches.

Three Branches of Government

Legislative (makes laws), Executive (enforces laws), Judicial (interprets laws).

Necessary & Proper Clause

To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.

Separation of Powers

Distribution of government responsibilities to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power.

Checks and Balances

System that ensures that each branch of government can limit the powers of the others.

Federalists

Supported a strong central government; believed in a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalists

Feared a strong federal government would take away rights; advocated for a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Washington’s Precedents

Traditions set by Washington, including the two-term presidency and the establishment of a Cabinet.

Hamilton vs. Jefferson

Debate over the amount of federal power; Hamilton favored a strong central government while Jefferson preferred more state power.

Report on Public Credit

Hamilton’s plan to manage debt and establish national credit.

Whiskey Rebellion

Farmers revolted against a whiskey tax; Washington asserted government authority by using federal troops.

Farewell Address

Washington's warning against political parties and foreign entanglements.

Elections of 1796 & 1800

1796 was the first partisan election; 1800 was notable for the peaceful transfer of power from Adams to Jefferson.

Barbary Pirates

Jefferson refused to pay bribes, leading to naval battles in the Mediterranean.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of land from France that doubled the size of the U.S.

Marshall Court & Judicial Review

Established the Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional.

Virginia & Kentucky Resolves

States' assertion that they could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional.

Henry Clay & The American System

Clay's plan to enhance the economy through tariffs, a national bank, and internal improvements.

Andrew Jackson

Controversial president known for the Indian Removal Act, destruction of the national bank, and expanding democracy.

Gilded Age

A period of rapid industrial growth, political corruption, and economic inequality.

Muckrakers

Journalists who exposed corruption and poor working conditions during the Gilded Age.

Rhode Island

Founded by Roger Williams in 1636 for religious freedom and fair treatment of Native Americans.

Pennsylvania

Founded by William Penn in 1681 as a safe place for Quakers.

Georgia

Founded by James Oglethorpe in 1732 as a haven for debtors and a buffer colony.

Federalists vs. Anti-Federalists

Federalists supported a strong government; Anti-Federalists feared tyranny and wanted strict limits on government power.

Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation

Included lack of power to tax, no executive branch, no national court system, and difficulty amending the document.

Shays’ Rebellion (1786-1787)

Uprising led by Daniel Shays due to debt and lack of payment for soldiers, demonstrating the weaknesses of the Articles.

Mercantilism (Definition)

Economic theory where a country tries to export more than it imports to accumulate wealth through trade.

Act of Supremacy (1534)

Declared the English monarch as the supreme head of the Church of England, solidifying England's break from Catholicism.