U.S. History STAAR

Constitution

The document that sets up the U.S. government and laws.

Bill of Rights

First 10 amendments that protect freedoms.

Declaration of Independence (1776)

Said the colonies were free from Great Britain.

Checks and Balances

Each branch of government limits the others.

Federalism

Power shared between national and state governments.

Separation of Powers

3 branches: legislative, executive, judicial.

American Revolution

Colonies vs Great Britain

Help from France

Winner: U.S.

Result: Independence War of 1812

U.S. vs Great Britain

Winner: Tie

Result: U.S. gains respect

Mexican-American War

U.S. vs Mexico

Winner: U.S.

Result: Gains Texas + West land Civil War

Union vs Confederacy

Leader: Abraham Lincoln

Winner: Union

Result: Slavery ended Spanish-American War

U.S. vs Spain

Winner: U.S.

Result: Gains overseas land

World War I

Allies: U.S., Great Britain, France

Central: Germany + allies

Winner: Allies World War II

Allies: U.S., Great Britain, Soviet Union, China

Axis: Germany, Italy, Japan

Winner: Allies Cold War

U.S. vs Soviet Union

No direct fighting

Winner: U.S.

1st – Speech, religion, press

2nd – Bear arms

3rd – No soldiers in homes

4th – No unfair searches

5th – Remain silent

6th – Fair trial

7th – Jury (civil)

8th – No cruel punishment

9th – Rights not listed still exist

10th – Powers to states

13th – Ended slavery

14th – Citizenship + equal protection

15th – Black men can vote

19th – Women can vote

24th – No poll tax

26th – Voting age = 18

16th – Income tax

17th – Direct election of senators

18th – Banned alcohol

21st – Ended alcohol ban

22nd – President = 2 terms

Manifest Destiny

Belief U.S. should expand west.

Louisiana Purchase

Land bought from France (1803).

Industrial Revolution

Machines + factories rise.

Urbanization

People move to cities.

Segregation

Separation by race.