RSJ Terms List

Great Awakening

A widespread religious movement questioning the authority of Old Light Preachers during the Enlightenment. Helped lay a foundation for the Revolution by changing beliefs regarding authority.

Mercantilism

Economic idea that a country should increase its wealth by exporting more than it imports. For this to happen, more colonies must be acquired. It allowed for a reliable market only to the colonial power.

Declaration of Independence

Document issued by Congress outlining the American perception of natural rights and summarizing the reasons the American colonies should have independence. It began the American Revolution.

Constitution

Document that created a system of government with power balanced between states and the branches of federal government. It followed the failure of the Articles of Confederation.

Checks & Balances

A system in which each branch of government monitors and limits the power of the other branches.

Federal Naturalization Law of 1790

Law that outlined the process of becoming a U.S. citizen and who it could be. Created the idea of reserving citizenship for white people.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments to the Constitution outlining basic natural rights of all citizens.

Amendments

Changes made to the Constitution for it to stay current. Outlined in Article V.

Judicial Review

Allows the Supreme Court and federal courts to decide if laws are constitutional and allows them to uphold or overturn state or national laws. Established by Marbury v. Madison

Missouri Compromise

Compromise over the balance of free and slave states and established the 36° 30’ line above which slavery could not exist.