AP US History Period 3 Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering AP US History Period 3 (1754–1800) key terms, constitutional compromises, presidential administrations, foreign policy, and political developments.

Articles of Confederation

The first framework of governance for the U.S. (1781–1787) featuring a unicameral congress with no executive or judiciary branches, lacking direct taxing and trade regulation powers.

Annapolis Convention (1786)

A meeting of delegates from 5 states called to resolve interstate commercial disputes and tariff wars, which resulted in a call for a broader convention in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation.

Virginia Plan

James Madison's proposal at the Constitutional Convention advocating for a bicameral legislature with representation based on population, favoring larger states.

New Jersey Plan

William Paterson's proposal at the Constitutional Convention advocating for equal state representation in a unicameral legislature, favoring smaller states.

Great Compromise (Connecticut Plan)

Roger Sherman's proposal that created a bicameral Congress consisting of equal state representation in the Senate (2 per state) and proportional representation based on population in the House of Representatives.

Three-Fifths Compromise

An agreement at the Constitutional Convention counting 3 out of every 5 enslaved individuals for representation and taxation purposes, while prohibiting the ban of the foreign slave trade until 1808.

Commercial Compromise

An agreement allowing Congress to regulate interstate and foreign commerce and impose import tariffs, while explicitly prohibiting tariffs on exports.

Electoral College

A constitutional mechanism established to elect the President of the United States, designed to act as a buffer against perceived mob rule.

Federalists

Political group led by George Washington, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Franklin advocating for a strong central government to maintain order and enforce laws.

Anti-Federalists

Political group led by George Mason, Patrick Henry, James Winthrop, and George Clinton opposing a strong central government out of fear it would threaten state sovereignty and individual rights.

Federalist Papers

A series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay providing intellectual defense for the Constitution, notably including Essay #10 on factions and #51 on checks and balances.

Bill of Rights (1791)

The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution added to protect individual liberties and state powers, yielding to Anti-Federalist demands to secure ratification.

Judiciary Act of 1789

Congressional act organizing the federal judicial branch, establishing a Supreme Court with 6 justices along with federal district and circuit courts.

Bank of the United States

National financial institution proposed by Alexander Hamilton under the implied powers of the Necessary and Proper Clause to execute tax collection and federal financial duties.

Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)

Proclamation issued by George Washington declaring the U.S. neutral in the conflict between Britain and Revolutionary France to avoid entangling European wars.

Jay Treaty (1794)

Agreement securing British evacuation of western frontier forts, though failing to resolve the ongoing issue of British impressment of American seamen.

Pinckney Treaty (1795)

Treaty between the U.S. and Spain granting Americans navigation rights on the Mississippi River and duty-free transfer privileges in New Orleans.

Whiskey Rebellion (1794)

A violent protest by western Pennsylvania farmers against a federal excise tax on whiskey, quickly suppressed by a 15,000-man federalized militia under Washington to demonstrate federal supremacy.

Washington's Farewell Address (1796)

Address in which George Washington warned against entangling European alliances, permanent foreign political ties, political parties, and regional sectionalism.

XYZ Affair (1797–1798)

Incident in which French agents demanded bribes from American diplomats to negotiate an end to commerce seizures, sparking anti-French sentiment and the slogan 'Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute.'

Quasi-War (1798–1800)

An undeclared naval war between the United States and France fought in the Caribbean during John Adams' presidency.

Naturalization Act (1798)

Federalist-passed law increasing the residency requirement for U.S. citizenship from 5 to 14 years to delay the political influence of pro-Jeffersonian European immigrants.

Alien Acts (1798)

Federalist legislation empowering the President to deport non-citizens deemed dangerous and detain enemy aliens during times of war.

Sedition Act (1798)

Federalist law making it illegal to criticize the President or Congress in speech or print, directly violating First Amendment rights to suppress political opposition.

Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions (1798)

Secret statements drafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison asserting that states formed a compact with the national government and possessed the authority to nullify unconstitutional federal laws.

Convention of 1800

Diplomatic agreement negotiated by John Adams with Napoleon Bonaparte that ended the Quasi-War and officially dissolved the 1778 Franco-American Alliance.

Revolution of 1800

The presidential election of 1800 that swept Federalists from power and marked the first peaceful transition of political power between opposing parties in U.S. history.

Republican Motherhood

Post-Revolutionary ideology emphasizing that women should be educated in civic duty so they could instruct their sons in republican virtues to sustain the nation.