Causes and Effects of the American Revolution and the Development of American Government

Flashcards defining key political, economic, and social terms related to the causes and effects of the American Revolution, early constitutional government, and federalism.

Articles of Confederation (1777 / 1781)

An early founding document and the first frame of government for the United States, reflecting early colonial skepticism of a strong central government.

Shays' Rebellion (1786)

A 1786 armed uprising that highlighted the weaknesses of the central government under the Articles of Confederation, fueling momentum for a strong federal system.

Montesquieu

An Enlightenment philosopher whose political ideals advocated for the separation of powers within government.

Northwest Ordinance (1787)

A 1787 act establishing a system for territorial governance and western expansion during the development of federalism.

Constitutional Convention (1787)

A 1787 gathering that addressed issues of representation through constitutional compromises and resulted in the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.

The Federalist Papers (1788)

A collection of essays written in 1788 advocating for the ratification of the U.S. Constitution.

Bill of Rights (1789)

The first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, protecting individual rights and limiting the power of the central government.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

A 1794 domestic insurrection that tested the authority and enforcement power of the new federal government.

Necessary and Proper Clause

A clause in the U.S. Constitution that became a central point of debate between strict and loose interpretations of federal power.

Two-Party System (1792)

A political division established around 1792 between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans, centered on constitutional interpretation, federal authority, and economic visions.

Alien and Sedition Acts (1798)

1798 laws passed during political tensions over federal authority, domestic security, and the scope of federal powers.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions (1798-99)

Resolutions drafted in response to the Alien and Sedition Acts that asserted state opposition to federal power.

Natural Rights (Locke)

An Enlightenment concept articulated by John Locke asserting fundamental rights, influencing colonial ideals of republicanism.

Capitalism (Smith)

An economic theory developed by Adam Smith that influenced republican ideals in the Atlantic World.

First Great Awakening (1739)

A 1739 religious revival that fostered religious liberty, a spirit of questioning and dissent, and challenges to traditional religious and political authorities.

Republicanism

A system of governance grounded in citizen representation, liberty, and limited government power.

Federalism

A constitutional principle establishing a division of power between the states and the national/federal government.

Checks and Balances

Constitutional mechanisms such as impeachment, judicial review, and vetoes designed to prevent any single branch of government from becoming dominant.

Bank of the United States

A national financial institution that became a primary issue in early debates over loose vs. strict interpretations of the Constitution.

Marbury v. Madison (1803)

A landmark 1803 Supreme Court decision under the Marshall Court that established the principle of judicial review and defined federal judicial power.

Washington's Farewell Address (1796)

A 1796 address offering guidance on American foreign relations with Europe and warning against foreign entanglements and factionalism.

Louisiana Purchase (1803)

An 1803 land acquisition that doubled the size of the U.S., driving initial geographic expansion and the growth of the plantation economy.

Embargo Act of 1807

An 1807 economic measure responding to foreign relations challenges with European nations.

War of 1812

A conflict with Great Britain caused in part by British impressment of American sailors and Native American resistance to westward expansion.