US History: Key Concepts from Articles of Confederation to Embargo Act

What was the purpose of the Land Ordinance of 1785?

To establish a standardized system for surveying and selling land in the western territories acquired after the American Revolution.

What is the 3/5ths Compromise?

A compromise that counted three-fifths of the slave population for representation and taxation purposes.

How is representation determined in the House of Representatives?

Based on a state's population, favoring larger states.

How is representation determined in the Senate?

Equal representation for all states, with two senators per state, favoring smaller states.

What is federalism?

The relationship between state governments and the national or federal government.

What are checks and balances?

A system that prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, such as the President's ability to veto laws passed by Congress.

Why did delegates want a system of checks and balances?

To prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful.

What were Jefferson's main disagreements with Hamilton's financial plan?

He opposed the assumption of state debts and the national bank, believing it was unfair to states that had paid their debts and unconstitutional.

How did the debates over the National Bank contribute to a two-party system?

They led to the formation of America's first two political parties: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.

What clause did Hamilton use to justify the national bank?

The 'Necessary and Proper' clause.

What were the similarities between the Whiskey Rebellion and Shays' Rebellion?

Both were led by farmers protesting unjust taxes and economic hardships.

What was the main difference between Shays' Rebellion and the Whiskey Rebellion?

Shays' Rebellion occurred under the Articles of Confederation, while the Whiskey Rebellion was addressed by a strong federal response under the Constitution.

What was the XYZ Affair?

A diplomatic incident that led to the Alien and Sedition Acts, involving a French demand for a bribe.

What did the Sedition Act do?

It made it a crime to criticize the government and allowed the President to deport immigrants, violating the First Amendment.

Why did Madison and Jefferson create the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions anonymously?

To declare the Alien and Sedition Acts unconstitutional and argue that states could nullify unjust federal laws.

What warnings did Washington give in his Farewell Address?

He warned against political parties creating division and foreign alliances dragging the U.S. into unnecessary wars.

Why was the Election of 1800 controversial?

There was a tie in the Electoral College between Jefferson and Burr, leading to the 12th Amendment which created separate ballots for President and Vice President.

What is Judicial Review?

The Supreme Court's power to declare laws unconstitutional, significantly increasing the power of the federal judiciary.

Why was the Embargo Act of 1807 criticized?

It harmed merchants and ship owners in New England who depended on foreign trade, leading to financial ruin.

What does OGRABME symbolize?

It symbolizes the oppressive nature of the Embargo Act, as it is 'Embargo' spelled backward.

Why did the government need a plan for settling new territories after the American Revolution?

To raise revenue, manage land distribution orderly, and prevent disputes.

What was Shays' Rebellion and why were political leaders concerned?

An uprising by farmers in Massachusetts that demonstrated the government was too weak to handle a crisis, leading to calls for a stronger government.

What were the main weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

The national government couldn't tax, raise an army, or regulate trade, making it unable to pay debts or maintain order.

How did the Constitution fix the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation?

It created a stronger federal government with the power to tax, regulate commerce, and form a military, establishing three branches of government.

What is a bicameral legislature?

A legislature with two chambers, specifically the House of Representatives and the Senate.

How did the Marshall Court expand federal power?

By repeatedly strengthening the power of the federal government through its rulings.