United States History: The Constitution and Early Republic

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the U.S. Constitution and early American history to assist with exam preparation.

The Constitution

The supreme law of the land, outlining the framework of the US government.

Northwest Ordinance

Legislation passed in 1787 that created a method for admitting new states to the Union.

Three-Fifths Compromise

Agreement during the Constitutional Convention stating that three-fifths of the slave population would be counted for representation.

Federalist Papers

A series of essays advocating for the ratification of the US Constitution, written by Hamilton, Madison, and Jay.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the US Constitution, guaranteeing individual rights.

Republicanism

A political doctrine advocating for a republic as the form of government.

Shays' Rebellion

An armed uprising in 1786-1787 by farmers protesting economic injustices.

Constitutional Convention

The 1787 meeting in Philadelphia where the Constitution was drafted.

Montesquieu

An influential political philosopher whose ideas on separation of powers influenced the US Constitution.

Amendment I

Protects the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition.

Checks and Balances

System ensuring that no branch of government becomes too powerful.

The Great Compromise

Also known as the Connecticut Compromise, it established a bicameral legislature.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution who favored a strong national government.

Anti-Federalists

Opponents of the Constitution who favored more power for state governments.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident in 1797 involving a confrontation between the United States and France.

Whiskey Rebellion

An uprising in 1794 protesting the tax on whiskey.

Louisiana Purchase

The acquisition of the Louisiana territory by the United States from France in 1803.

Treaty of Greenville

A 1795 treaty between American Indians and the U.S. government that ended the Northwest Indian War.

The Election of 1800

The election that marked the first peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another in the U.S.

Judith Sargent Murray

An early advocate for women's rights who argued for women's education and equality.

Daniel Shays

Leader of Shays' Rebellion, which highlighted the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.