Unit 3 APUSH

Salutary Neglect

British policy of avoiding strict enforcement of parliamentary laws meant to keep American colonies obedient to England.

Sugar Act

The first tax imposed on the American colonies, taxing foreign sugar.

Stamp Act

A 1765 act that required all paper documents in the colonies to carry a tax stamp.

No taxation without representation

The colonial slogan expressing the belief that it is unfair to tax someone without giving them a voice in government.

Declaratory Act

Passed in 1766, asserting British Parliament's authority to legislate for the colonies in all cases.

Townshend Acts

A series of laws passed in 1767 imposing taxes on everyday items like tea, glass, and paper.

Daughters of Liberty

A women's organization formed in 1765 to protest British policies and promote American independence.

Boston Tea Party

A 1773 protest where colonists dumped British tea into Boston Harbor as a protest against tea taxes.

Boston Massacre

A deadly confrontation in 1770 between British troops and Boston colonists that fueled anti-British sentiment.

Inalienable Rights

Rights that cannot be surrendered, transferred, or removed, often referenced in the Declaration of Independence.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States, established a weak federal government.

Shay’s Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786 against economic injustices faced by Massachusetts farmers.

Treaty of Paris 1783

The treaty that ended the American Revolutionary War and recognized American independence.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting where the U.S. Constitution was created, replacing the Articles of Confederation.

Virginia Plan

Proposal for a bicameral legislative branch in Congress based on population.

New Jersey Plan

Proposal for a unicameral legislative branch with equal representation for each state.

3/5 Compromise

Agreement during the Constitutional Convention counting 5 slaves as 3 individuals for representation.

Electoral College

System established by the Constitution for electing the President of the United States.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who wanted to maintain strong state governments.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution that guarantee certain individual liberties.

Whiskey Rebellion

The 1791 uprising of farmers against the excise tax on whiskey.

Jay’s Treaty

1794 agreement that resolved issues between the U.S. and Great Britain and facilitated trade.

Pinckney’s Treaty

1795 treaty with Spain granting the U.S. territory and access to the Mississippi River.

Alexander Hamilton

The first Secretary of Treasury who advocated for a strong central government and financial system.

Thomas Jefferson

The primary author of the Declaration of Independence and the first Secretary of State.

Tariff

A tax imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries.

Elastic Clause

Constitutional clause allowing Congress to make laws that are necessary and proper.

Quasi War

An undeclared naval conflict between the U.S. and France from 1798 to 1800.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 involving demands from French agents for bribes from American diplomats.

Republican Motherhood

The belief that women should raise their children to be virtuous citizens.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays written to promote the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Civil Values

The principles and standards of behavior that are important for a functioning democratic society.

Convention of 1800

An agreement between the U.S. and France to normalize relations after the XYZ Affair.

Tyranny

Oppressive government rule, often referenced in the context of British governance.

Stamp Act Congress

A meeting of delegates from nine colonies in 1765 to organize opposition to the Stamp Act.

Northwest Ordinance

A law passed in 1787 that established a framework for settling and governing the Northwest Territory.

George Washington Precedents

The traditional practices set by George Washington as the first President, including the formation of a cabinet and two-term limit.

The Great Compromise

An agreement during the Constitutional Convention that established a bicameral legislature, combining the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan, creating a House based on population and a Senate with equal representation.