Key Concepts in U.S. Government and History

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and events in U.S. government and history to aid in exam preparation.

Three Branches of Government

The divisions of government into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.

Three-fifths Compromise

An agreement at the 1787 constitutional convention counting three out of every five enslaved people as a person for congressional representation.

House of Representatives

Created to represent the interests of larger states during the constitutional convention.

U.S. Senate

Created to represent the interests of smaller states during the constitutional convention.

Electoral College

The process through which the U.S. elects its president and vice president via electors instead of direct vote.

Federalists

Supporters of the Constitution during its ratification, known for publishing articles in newspapers.

Whiskey Rebellion

A tax protest in the United States from 1791 to 1794 during George Washington's presidency.

Washington's Farewell Address

A warning against political factions and advice to remain neutral in foreign affairs.

XYZ Affair

An incident where the French government attempted to extort a bribe from the United States.

Alien and Sedition Acts

A series of laws passed in 1798 that limited immigration and restricted criticism of the government.

Marbury v. Madison

A Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review.

Louisiana Purchase

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

Barbary Pirates

Pirates from North Africa who raided ships and demanded tribute from nations.

Impressment

The practice of forcibly enlisting men into military service, especially by the British navy.

Leopard-Chesapeake incident

A naval engagement in 1807 that heightened tensions between the U.S. and Great Britain.

War of 1812

A conflict between the U.S. and Great Britain over trade restrictions, impressment, and territorial expansion.

Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh

Shawnee brothers who led a Native American confederacy against the U.S. in the early 19th century.

Treaty of Ghent

Signed in 1814 to end the War of 1812, restoring pre-war boundaries.

Battle of New Orleans

An American victory in the War of 1812 led by Andrew Jackson, fought after the Treaty of Ghent.

Hartford Convention

Meetings in 1814-1815 where New England Federalists discussed grievances over the War of 1812.

Abigail Adams

Advocated for women's rights in letters to her husband, John Adams.

Thomas Jefferson

Opposed Alexander Hamilton's economic plans in Washington's first administration.

Alexander Hamilton

A founding father and the first Secretary of the Treasury who helped create the national bank.

James Madison

Known as the 'Father of the Constitution' and the fourth president of the United States.

Battle of Saratoga

A significant battle that led to an alliance between the Americans and the French.

Battle of Yorktown

The decisive victory for the combined French and American forces over the British.

Tories, Patriots, and the Undecided Middle

The divisions within the population during the American Revolution.

Loyalists

Colonists who remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolution.

Representative Democracy

A system where citizens elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.

Monarchy

A form of government where a single person, the monarch, is the head of state.

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the U.S., establishing a weak central government.

Land Ordinance of 1785

A major achievement of Congress under the Articles of Confederation concerning land management.

Northwest Territory

The region that included Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio.

Northwest Ordinance

Provided a method for admitting new states from the Northwest Territory.

Federalism

The division of government authority between national and state governments, unique to the U.S.