APUSH period 3 new

Checks and Balances

A constitutional principle in which each branch of government (legislative, executive, judicial) has the power to limit the actions of the others. This system prevents any one branch from becoming too powerful and ensures cooperation and accountability within the federal government.

Common Sense

A 1776 pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for complete independence from Britain. It used plain language to appeal to the common people and helped galvanize public opinion in favor of the Revolution.

Hamilton’s Financial Plan

A set of proposals by Alexander Hamilton to stabilize the American economy, including federal assumption of state debts, creation of a national bank, and implementation of tariffs and excise taxes. It aimed to establish strong federal credit and central authority, but sparked fierce debate over constitutional interpretation.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions

Political statements drafted in 1798–99 by Jefferson and Madison arguing that states had the right to nullify federal laws they deemed unconstitutional, particularly the Alien and Sedition Acts. They introduced the idea of states' rights and set the groundwork for future conflicts over federal power.

Loose Constructionism

The belief that the federal government can take reasonable actions that the Constitution does not specifically forbid. Favored by Federalists like Hamilton, it justified broader federal powers and supported the creation of institutions like the national bank.

Nullification

The concept that states can invalidate or refuse to enforce federal laws they find unconstitutional. Rooted in the Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions, this idea would reemerge in future conflicts like the Nullification Crisis of the 1830s.

Republican Motherhood

An 18th-century ideology that encouraged women to raise educated, virtuous citizens for the new republic. While it upheld traditional gender roles, it also promoted women’s education as a civic duty.

Strict Constructionism

The belief that the federal government has only those powers explicitly stated in the Constitution. Supported by Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans, it opposed measures like the national bank as unconstitutional overreaches.

Virtual Representation

British argument that Parliament represented all British subjects, including colonists who had no direct vote. Colonists rejected this idea, insisting on "no taxation without representation," leading to heightened tensions before the Revolution.

Washington’s Farewell Address

A 1796 speech in which President George Washington warned against permanent foreign alliances, political parties, and sectionalism. It served as a guiding principle for U.S. foreign policy and politics in the early republic.

Battle of Concord

One of the first battles of the American Revolutionary War, fought on April 19, 1775. American militias forced the British to retreat to Boston, boosting colonial confidence and demonstrating the effectiveness of local resistance.

Battle of Fallen Timbers

A decisive 1794 battle between the U.S. Army and Native American tribes resisting American expansion in the Northwest Territory. General Anthony Wayne's victory ended major resistance and led to the Treaty of Greenville.

Battle of Lexington

The first actual battle of the Revolutionary War, occurring just before Concord. Known for the "shot heard 'round the world," it marked the start of armed conflict between Britain and the colonies.

Battle of Saratoga

A 1777 turning point in the Revolutionary War, where American forces defeated the British. It convinced France to formally ally with the U.S., bringing much-needed military and financial support.

Battle of Yorktown

The last major battle of the Revolutionary War (1781). American and French forces, led by Washington and Lafayette, trapped British General Cornwallis, forcing his surrender and leading to peace negotiations.

Boston Massacre

A 1770 confrontation in which British soldiers killed five American colonists. It was heavily propagandized by Patriot leaders like Paul Revere to fuel anti-British sentiment.

Boston Tea Party

A 1773 protest in which the Sons of Liberty, disguised as Mohawk Indians, dumped British tea into Boston Harbor to oppose the Tea Act. It led to the harsh Intolerable Acts from Britain.

French Revolution

A revolutionary movement in France (1789–1799) that influenced American politics. Federalists feared its radicalism, while Democratic-Republicans supported it as an extension of liberty.

Haitian Slave Revolt/Revolution

A successful slave uprising in the French colony of Saint-Domingue (1791–1804), leading to the establishment of Haiti. It frightened American slaveholders and inspired enslaved people.

Pontiac’s Rebellion

A 1763 Native American uprising against British expansion into the Great Lakes region. It led to the Proclamation of 1763, which restricted colonial settlement west of the Appalachians.

Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War)

A global conflict between Britain and France (1754–1763), with battles in North America. Britain’s victory expanded its empire but left it in debt, prompting new colonial taxes that fueled rebellion.

Shays’s Rebellion

A 1786–87 uprising of poor Massachusetts farmers, led by Daniel Shays, protesting high taxes and debt. It exposed the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation and helped prompt calls for a stronger central government.

Whiskey Rebellion

A 1794 uprising by western Pennsylvania farmers over a federal tax on whiskey. Washington used military force to suppress it, proving the federal government’s strength under the Constitution.

XYZ Affair

A 1797 diplomatic scandal in which French agents (X, Y, Z) demanded bribes to begin negotiations. It outraged Americans and led to the Quasi-War with France.

Abigail Adams

Wife of John Adams, known for her letters advocating women’s rights. She famously urged her husband to “remember the ladies” during the nation’s founding.

Alexander Hamilton

Founding Father, Federalist leader, and first Secretary of the Treasury. He shaped economic policy through his financial plan and helped write the Federalist Papers.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who feared a strong central government and the lack of a Bill of Rights. Their pressure led to the addition of the Bill of Rights.

Benjamin Franklin

Enlightenment thinker, inventor, diplomat, and Founding Father. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and negotiated the Franco-American Alliance.

Committees of Correspondence

Colonial networks of communication that coordinated resistance to British policy. They helped unify the colonies and laid the groundwork for the Continental Congress.

Democratic-Republican Party

Political party founded by Jefferson and Madison, promoting states’ rights and a limited federal government. Opposed Federalist policies and favored agricultural interests.

East India Tea Company

A British trading company granted a monopoly on American tea sales by the Tea Act. Colonists viewed it as an unfair advantage, prompting the Boston Tea Party.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution and a strong central government. Led by figures like Hamilton and Washington, they opposed the Democratic-Republicans.

George III

King of Great Britain during the American Revolution. His refusal to address colonial grievances and his response to protests helped spark the war.

George Grenville

British Prime Minister who enacted unpopular taxes on the colonies (e.g., Stamp and Sugar Acts) to help pay war debts.

George Washington

Revolutionary War general and first U.S. President. He established many presidential precedents and advocated for neutrality and unity.

James Madison

Fourth U.S. President and key architect of the Constitution. Co-authored the Federalist Papers and led the nation during the War of 1812.

John Adams

Revolutionary leader and second U.S. President. Advocated independence and managed foreign affairs during the early republic.

John Jay

First Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and co-author of the Federalist Papers. Negotiated Jay’s Treaty with Britain.

Loyalists

American colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution. Many faced persecution and fled to Canada or Britain after the war.

Mercy Otis Warren

A political writer and historian who supported independence. She documented Revolutionary events and advocated for republican ideals.

Minutemen

Colonial militia members ready to fight at a minute’s notice. Played a key role at Lexington and Concord.

Patrick Henry

A Virginia orator and Anti-Federalist best known for the phrase “Give me liberty or give me death!”

Patriots

Colonists who supported independence from Britain and fought in the Revolutionary War.

Paxton Boys

A group of Pennsylvania frontiersmen who attacked Native Americans in protest of the colony's lenient policies. Highlighted frontier tensions and colonial unrest.

Redcoats

British soldiers stationed in the colonies. Their presence was often resented and became symbolic of British oppression.

Sons of Liberty

Secret society formed to protest British taxes and policies. Famous for organizing events like the Boston Tea Party.

Thomas Jefferson

Author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. President. Advocated for limited government and agrarianism.

Thomas Paine

Political thinker and writer whose pamphlet Common Sense inspired colonial independence.

Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts

Towns where the first battles of the Revolution occurred. Sparked the outbreak of war.

Washington, D.C.

The planned capital city of the United States, created as a compromise between northern and southern interests.

Albany Plan of Union

Benjamin Franklin’s 1754 proposal to unite the colonies for mutual defense. Though it failed, it was a precedent for later unity.

Alien and Sedition Acts

1798 laws that allowed the president to deport foreigners and punished criticism of the government. Targeted Democratic-Republicans and immigrants.

Annapolis Convention

A 1786 meeting to discuss interstate trade problems. Its failure led to the Constitutional Convention.

Articles of Confederation

America’s first constitution, which created a weak national government. Its flaws led to the drafting of the current Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first 10 amendments to the Constitution, protecting individual liberties. Added to appease Anti-Federalists.

Constitution

The supreme law of the U.S., establishing the structure and powers of the federal government. Ratified in 1789.

Continental Army

The military force established by the Second Continental Congress, led by George Washington during the Revolution.

Currency Act

British law that restricted colonial printing of paper money. Hurt colonial economies and increased resentment.

Declaration of Independence

A 1776 document written by Jefferson declaring American independence from Britain. Inspired by Enlightenment ideals.

Declaratory Act

1766 law asserting Parliament’s authority over the colonies “in all cases whatsoever.” Passed after repealing the Stamp Act.

Federalist Papers

A collection of essays by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay promoting ratification of the Constitution. Explained the benefits of a strong federal government.

First Bank of the United States

A central bank created by Hamilton to manage federal finances and stabilize the economy. Opposed by Jeffersonians.

First Continental Congress

A 1774 meeting of colonial delegates to organize resistance against the Intolerable Acts.

Franco-American Alliance

A 1778 alliance between France and the U.S. during the Revolution. France provided essential military support.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Compromise)

A Constitutional Convention agreement that created a bicameral legislature with representation by population in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Intolerable Acts ("Coercive Acts")

Harsh British laws passed in response to the Boston Tea Party. Included closing Boston Harbor and limiting colonial self-government.

Jay’s Treaty

A 1794 treaty with Britain resolving lingering post-war issues. Unpopular but helped avoid war.

National Bank

Part of Hamilton’s plan to stabilize the economy by managing debt and creating a standard currency. Sparked debate over constitutional powers.

Navigation Acts

British laws regulating colonial trade to benefit the mother country. Contributed to colonial resentment.

New Jersey Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for equal state representation, regardless of population. Favored by smaller states.

Northwest Ordinance

A 1787 law that provided a process for territories to become states and banned slavery in the Northwest Territory.

Olive Branch Petition

A 1775 appeal to King George III to prevent further conflict. Rejected, pushing the colonies closer to war.

Pinckney’s Treaty

A 1795 agreement with Spain granting the U.S. access to the Mississippi River and New Orleans. Boosted western expansion.

Proclamation of 1763

British decree prohibiting colonial settlement west of the Appalachians. Aimed at easing tensions with Native Americans.

Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington’s 1793 declaration that the U.S. would remain neutral in European conflicts.

Quebec Act

A 1774 law expanding Quebec’s territory and allowing Catholicism. Seen by colonists as another Intolerable Act.

Second Continental Congress

The governing body that managed the war effort, created the Continental Army, and declared independence.

Stamp Act

A 1765 law taxing printed materials in the colonies. Sparked widespread protests and was later repealed.

Sugar Act

A 1764 tax on sugar and molasses that strengthened enforcement of trade regulations. Increased colonial resentment.

Three-Fifths Compromise

A constitutional agreement to count enslaved people as three-fifths of a person for representation and taxation.

Townshend Acts

A series of taxes on imports like glass and tea. Revenues paid British officials, reducing colonial control.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

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

Virginia Plan

A proposal at the Constitutional Convention for representation based on population. Favored by large states.;