World History Unit 2

Articles of Confederation

The first constitution of the United States that had several weaknesses, including no taxing power and a lack of a strong central government.

Land Ordinance of 1785

Legislative measure that divided land in the West fairly to prevent disputes between states like Pennsylvania and Virginia.

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

Established the process for admitting new states to the Union and set standards for governance in the Northwest Territory.

Shays' Rebellion

An uprising that demonstrated the weaknesses of the federal government under the Articles of Confederation.

Great Compromise

An agreement that combined the Virginia Plan and New Jersey Plan, establishing a bicameral legislature with proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate.

Checks and Balances

A system designed to ensure that no one branch of government becomes too powerful by allowing each branch to limit the powers of the others.

3/5 Compromise

An agreement that allowed Southern states to count 3/5 of their slave population for representation purposes.

Electoral College

A group of representatives selected by each state to elect the President and Vice President.

Federalist

Supporters of a strong central government, often from the North, favoring a loose interpretation of the Constitution.

Anti-Federalist

Opponents of a strong central government, typically from the South, advocating for a strict interpretation of the Constitution.

Bill of Rights

The first ten amendments to the Constitution, which protect individual liberties and limit government power.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Established the federal judiciary system and affirmed the supremacy of federal laws over state laws.

Whiskey Rebellion

A revolt against an excise tax on whiskey that demonstrated the federal government's ability to maintain order.

12th Amendment

An amendment that established separate voting procedures for the President and Vice President.

Marbury v. Madison

A landmark Supreme Court case that established the principle of judicial review to determine the constitutionality of laws.

Louisiana Purchase

A significant land acquisition by Thomas Jefferson that doubled the size of the United States.

XYZ Affair

A diplomatic incident that heightened tensions between the United States and France, leading to calls for war.

Alien and Sedition Acts

Laws that allowed for the deportation of foreigners and restricted speech against the government, leading to public discontent.

War of 1812

A conflict between the United States and Britain caused by issues such as impressment of American sailors and trade restrictions.