History Final Exam Notecards

use for studying the 2025 history final

When did Congress approve the Declaration of Independence

July 4, 1776

What is the Declaration based off of

the idea of natural rights

Why did Thomas Paine right Common Sense

wanted people to start supporting independence for the colonies

What was one of the potential consequences for the delegates who sign the declaration

They would be hanged as traitors

What was the main purpose of the declaration

to declare separation of the U.S.A form Britain

What is one of the grievances listed in the declaration

taxation without representation

What should a government do according to the declaration

protects its citizen’s rights and liberties

How was the declaration written

A committee was appointed to write it, but Thomas Jefferson was the only one who actually wrote it

The Virginia Resolution, proclaiming that colonies were “free and independent states” was introduced by

Richard Henry Lee

when business activity slows, wages fall, and unemployment rises

depression

list of freedoms the government promises to protect

bill of rights

basic laws, principals, organization, and processes of a government

constitution

farmers in Massachusetts organized an uprising over state taxes

Shay’s rebellion

loose alliance of 13 independent states

Articles of Confederation

What is one reason people called for a change in the articles of confederation

they believed it was a weak and ineffective government

who was in charge of enforcing laws the Congress passed under the articles

the states

How did Shay’s rebellion encourage people to push for a plan to revise the articles

It made people worry about how a weak central government might respond to future rebellions.

what is the purpose of the articles

to unite the colonies into one national government

Shay’s rebellion involved a group of farmers who were angry about

losing their farms to low crop prices and high state taxes

Who had more power under the articles

the states

Proposed by Edmund Randolph and James Madison with three branches of government with a two-house legislature; representation determined by population.

Virginia Resolution

Branch of government that would carry out the laws.

executive branch

Meeting of 55 delegates in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with the goal of revising the Articles of Confederation.

Constitutional convention

Proposed by William Paterson with three branches of government with a one-house legislature and an equal vote for each state; supported by small States.

New Jersey Plan

Branch of government that passes laws.

legislative branch

Branch of government that would decide whether laws or the Constitution were violated.

judicial branch

Why is James Madison called the “Father of the Constitution”?

he was very prepared and greatly influenced other delegates

Who was elected to serve as the president of the Constitutional Convention?

George Washington

Smaller states opposed the Virginia Plan because they

feared that they would not have enough power in the new congress

What was the original purpose of the Constitutional Convention?

to revise the articles of confederation

Why did the delegates decide to keep their talks secret

they wanted to speak their minds freely

to approve

ratify

The principle of government in the Constitution where each branch has a way to limit the power of the other branches

checks and balences

The principle of government represented in the Constitution's Preamble as the phrase "We the people"

self-government

The principle of government in the Constitution that creates a system where the national government shares power with state governments

federalism

The principle of government in the Constitution where the powers are divided within the government

separation of powers

First 10 Amendments to the Constitution

bill of rights

A change or addition to the Constitution

amendment

The principle of government in the Constitution where the will of the people is expressed through voting

popular sovereignty

Which branch of government has the power to appoint federal judges and cabinet members?

executive

The opening phrase of the Constitution, “We, the people,” means that the Constitution gets its authority from the

citizens

Which branch of government has the power to collect taxes?

legistlative

The First Amendment would protect people who want to

put up a Web site criticizing a local government official.

Which branch of government has the power to make treaties with other countries?

executive

Which branch of government has the power to approve presidential appointments?

legistlative

Which branch of government has the power to decide what a law means?

judicial

Political group who wanted to keep government power at state or local level

republican

Group of Pennsylvania farmers protesting tax on whiskey

whiskey rebellion

Political group who believed a strong federal government was needed to hold the country together

federalist

An opposing group within a party

faction

Group of officials who head government departments and advise the President.

Cabinet

First President of the United States

George Washington

An act or decision that sets an example for others to follow.

precedent

Washington's response to the Whiskey Rebellion

proved the strength of the new government

How did Alexander Hamilton’s views on national policy differ from those of Thomas Jefferson?

Hamilton wanted a strong central government.

Which of the following was NOT part of Hamilton's plan to solve the financial crisis?

issue loans to farmers and businesses

Why did southern members of Congress agree to support Hamilton's financial plan?

the new capital would be built in the south

What important precedent did Washington set when he did not run for a third term as President?

it kept future presidents from running for more than 2 terms

Which of the following was the biggest economic challenge that Hamilton and the new government faced?

paying off the national debt

Why did Jefferson oppose the creation of a national bank?

The Constitution did not give Congress the power to create one

In 1789, Congress created executive departments. Which of these was not among them?

commerce

second president of the U.S.A

John Adams

Federalist supported laws created to allow the President the power to deport foreigners, made it harder for immigrants to become citizens, and allowed citizens to be fined or jailed if criticized the government.

Alien and Sedition Acts

someone from another country

alien

cancel

nullify

Act of stirring up rebellion against a government

sedition

Right of states to limit the power of the federal government

states rights

Declarations written by Jefferson and Madison claiming each state has a right to decide whether a federal law is constitutional

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

French diplomats demanding a bribe from the United States before discussing the seizure of neutral American ships.

XYZ Affair

Created separate votes for President and Vice President after Presidential Election of 1800

12th Amendment

protects freedom of speech

1st amendment

What are the “certain matters” that Jefferson is referring to in this quote?

printing criticism of the government

What other issue divided Republicans and Federalists during John Adam’s presidency?

alien act

What did Thomas Jefferson mean when he said that the bills referred to in this quote were against the Constitution?

They violated constitutional rights, especially the rights of speech and the press guaranteed by the First Amendment

Why did President Adams avoid declaring war on France?

He thought war would damage the Federalists as a party

Which of the following was related to the issue of states’ rights?

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions