Unit One

The Enlightenment

An 18th century movement that inspired European philosophers who believed that society’s problems could be solved by reason and science

Northwest Ordinance

It created a temporary government in the Northwest Territory and provided a way for new states to be created in the Northwest Territory. It also promised settlers in these new lands the same individual rights that had been fought for in the American Revolution

Articles of Confederation

The first pan for a national government in the United States; it created a confederation of 13 states

Successes and Failures of the Articles of Confederation

Two successes were the Northwest Ordinance and the end of the Revolutionary war. Two failures were the states being too powerful and congress not having enough power.

US Constitution and the Enlightenment

The foundation of the American government, outlining its structure and powers. A European intellectual movement, emphasizing reason and individual rights, significantly influenced the constitutions limited government principles, separation of powers, and personal liberties

Federalism

A political system in which power is shared between the national and state governments

Federalist (and beliefs)

Believed in a strong, centralized government in the new United States. The wanted a strong federal government but also wanted to protect individual liberties

3 Branches of Government

The executive branch which is the president, the Legislative branch which is congress and the House of Representatives, and the Judicial branch which is the Supreme Court

the Great Comprimise

Differences settled between the virginia and New Jersey plans including a bicameral legislative branch, states being equally represented with 2 senators but representatives based on population and power divided between state and federal governments.

3/5 Compromise

An agreement during the constitutional convention of 1787, where 3 out of 5 enslaved people were counted in the population for representation i congress and taxes

Anti federalist (and beliefs)

Opponents of ratifying the constitution

Debate Over Ratification (of the Constitution)

Anti federalists thought the constitution gave the national government too much power, congress was too small and could not represent voters, the federal court system interfered with local courts, and it lacked a bill of rights

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the constitution, protecting freedoms guaranteed to citizens by the government

Rights of Free Expression

Freedom of religion and beliefs, speech, publishing what you want, peaceful assembly, and to petition the government (1st amendment)

Rights of the Accused

Freedom of unreasonable search and seizure, not being held in jail unless formally charged, no double jeopardy, nobody can be forced to incriminate themselves, and a right to a public and speedy trial

Rights of Property

The right to have property, and the government cannot take it away without a reason

Consent of the governed

The authority to rule came from the people that the government served

Natural Rights

Natural rights (life, liberty, and property) could never be taken away or even voluntarily given up by individuals. These rights were unalienable.

Social Contract

A ruler had to protect their citizens natural rights. If the ruler did not do this, the citizens had the right to establish a new government that would protect it.

Declaration of Independence

On July 4th 1776, Congress unanimously declared the declaration of the thirteen United States of America.