APUSH Period 3 Unit B

Articles of Confederation

The first governing document of the United States, in effect from 1781 to 1787, which had significant weaknesses.

Shay’s Rebellion

An uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and the inability of the government to address critical issues.

Annapolis Convention

A 1786 meeting aimed at improving commercial relations among states, attended by only five states.

Constitutional Convention

A 1787 gathering in Philadelphia with delegates from twelve states to revise the Articles of Confederation.

Charles A. Beard

Historian who argued that the Constitution was biased towards the interests of wealthy delegates.

Virginia Plan

A proposal for representation in Congress based on population, favored by large states.

New Jersey Plan

A counterproposal advocating for equal representation for all states in Congress, regardless of size.

Great Compromise

A solution that established a bicameral Congress with the House of Representatives based on population and the Senate with equal representation.

3/5 Compromise

An agreement that counted each slave as 3/5 of a person for representation purposes.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who advocated for a strong central government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government and advocated for states' rights.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to support the ratification of the Constitution, authored by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, added to protect individual rights.

Washington’s Cabinet

The group of advisors appointed by George Washington, including Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton.

Hamilton��s Financial Plan

A three-part strategy to stabilize the U.S. economy, including paying off national debt, developing industry, and creating a national bank.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising against excise taxes that demonstrated the power of the new federal government.

Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington's 1793 declaration to keep the U.S. neutral in foreign conflicts, particularly during the French Revolution.

Jay’s Treaty

A 1794 agreement with Britain that addressed issues of British military presence in the Northwest but did not resolve impressment of American sailors.

Pinckney’s Treaty

A 1795 agreement with Spain that granted the U.S. free navigation of the Mississippi River and established borders.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws passed by Adams' administration that restricted immigration and limited free speech, leading to significant political controversy.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Statements asserting that states could nullify federal laws deemed unconstitutional, written by Jefferson and Madison.

Revolution of 1800

The election in which Thomas Jefferson won the presidency, marking a peaceful transfer of power between political parties.

Federalist Party

Political party led by Hamilton and Adams, favoring a strong central government and pro-British policies.

Democratic-Republican Party

Political party led by Jefferson and Madison, advocating for a strict interpretation of the Constitution and pro-French policies.